Our strategy for 2027–33 is to protect the interests of current and future customers by securing long-term value through independent economic regulation. We will strengthen accountability for delivery, deepen our understanding of performance and risk, and focus our challenge where it can make the greatest difference for customers.
This means customers should be able to see how our work helps protect affordability, improve accountability and support better long-term decisions for Scotland’s water services.
By applying this approach consistently, we aim to support a water sector that can make difficult choices with confidence, protect value for customers and remain resilient in the face of future challenges.
Our foundations
Our strategy is underpinned by five enduring principles that shape how we approach our role, make decisions and deliver value.
Customer value sits at the heart of everything we do. We will assess decisions through the lens of the value delivered to current and future customers.
Independence is fundamental to our role. We will continue to provide objective analysis, advice and regulatory decisions based on evidence and judgement.
Evidence and judgement are complementary. Good regulation requires robust evidence, but it also requires the ability to exercise informed judgement where decisions involve uncertainty, competing priorities or long-term trade-offs.
Collaboration and challenge are both essential. We will work constructively with stakeholders while providing rigorous independent challenge where it is required.
Long-term stewardship will remain central to our approach. We will consider not only the impact of decisions today, but also the consequences for future generations.
Our outcomes by 2033
- Customers pay fair charges that deliver long term value
- Scottish Water is held to account for performance and delivery
- Business customers benefit from fair and effective market regulation
- Enabling the water sector to work together to deliver better outcomes for customers
- WICS is a trusted, transparent and high performing economic regulator
Our strategy |
||||
|
Protect current and future customers Secure the lowest overall reasonable cost of water and wastewater services |
||||
Our foundations |
||||
| Independent Commission | Customer Value | Evidence and Judgement | Long-term Stewardship | Collaboration and challenge |
Our outcomes by 2033 |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
How we will deliver them |
||||
| Customer value at the centre of decision making | Evidence based and joined up decision making | Better understanding of performance and risk| Innovating for future challenges | ||||
What customers should see |
||||
| Fair, cost reflective charges | Better investment decisions | Greater accountability | Improved services | Long-term value |