Our budget
Our proposed budget has been developed using our revised organisational structure and operating model. It reflects the significant efficiencies made during the current Corporate Plan period while ensuring WICS has the resources needed to deliver effective, independent economic regulation throughout 2027–33.
We will continue to review how we use our people, assets and financial resources, ensuring that investment is directed towards the activities that deliver the greatest value for customers.
We will strengthen internal capability wherever this provides better long-term value, plan the use of consultancy more strategically and continue to use external specialist support where it provides independent assurance or expertise that cannot be delivered effectively in-house.
The following figures are indicative estimates for consultation and will be refined before the final Corporate Plan and annual levy requirements are approved.
Gross funding requirements |
Indicative planning estimate 2027-33 (£m) |
| Scottish Water levy | 21.79 |
| Licensed Provider levy | 7.27 |
Total income |
29.06 |
Expenditure |
Indicative planning estimate 2027-33 (£m) |
| Cost of regulatory delivery | 18.97 |
| Operational costs | 10.09 |
Total expenditure |
29.06 |
Financial resilience
A combination of efficiencies, lower-than-planned expenditure, changes in delivery and timing, and additional income means that WICS expects to end 2021–27 with a higher cash balance than originally forecast.
As the final Corporate Plan is developed, we will use our Reserves Policy to determine the appropriate reserve level and how any balance above that level should be treated. Options may include returning funds or offsetting future levy requirements, subject to the necessary approvals.
Our funding arrangements will continue to ensure that costs are shared fairly between Scottish Water and Licensed Providers, reflecting the balance of work undertaken across the organisation while recognising that all activities rely on shared corporate services and infrastructure.
By maintaining strong financial discipline, regularly reviewing how we use public resources and continually challenging ourselves to improve, we will ensure WICS remains a capable, resilient and trusted regulator that delivers best value for customers throughout the 2027–33 Corporate Plan period.