Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton has raised concerns about high water price hikes in Scotland.
Business Stream recently wrote to customers to inform them of higher 2024/2025 charges.
They said: “From 1 April 2024, the wholesale charge for water and sewerage services will increase by 8.8 per cent.”
They added: “The increase is higher than in previous years as wholesale charge increases were restricted in the last two years to minimise the impact on businesses already under pressure from the pandemic and rising cost challenges."
In England and Wales, the average annual water and sewerage bill is expected to rise by 6 per cent.
Whereas, in Scotland, waste and water charges are expected to rise by 8.8 per cent.
Scottish Borders MSP, Rachael Hamilton, said: “Water price hikes will leave many small businesses and households struggling to pay bills.
“It is disappointing that price hikes will be above inflation and unacceptable that it appears that Scottish charges will be several per cent higher than across the UK.
“We may need greater investment to improve water infrastructure but there is still a pressing need to keep household and business bills as low as possible in these difficult economic times.”
