Section 56 – Directions
136.This section revises substantially section 116 of the 1994 Act on the power of the Scottish Ministers to give directions.
137.Subsection (1) places a new duty on the Scottish Ministers to give directions to Scottish Water as to the exercise of its general powers under section 25 and its internal management powers under schedule 3 and also as to how Scottish Water is managed generally. These directions could, for example, cover the responsibilities of the members and staff of Scottish Water and could require prior approval of, or consultation with, the Scottish Ministers, to any proposed course of action (subsection (2)). Subsection (2)(c) clarifies that a direction under this section could allow matters in it to be determined by third parties where that is appropriate.
138.Subsection (3) gives the Scottish Ministers a general power to give directions to Scottish Water, whether general or specific. The Scottish Ministers must consult Scottish Water before giving any directions under this section (subsection (4)).
139.Subsection (5) requires Scottish Water to comply with all directions given by the Scottish Ministers under Part 3.