UNISON's
approach
Develop Scottish Water into a more
democratic structure as set out in the UNISON/STUC manifesto
and resist calls for the privatisation/mutualisation
of this essential public service.
We favour a balanced energy policy
that provides safe, secure and sustainable generation, which
contributes to our economic future and eliminates fuel poverty.
BACKGROUND & OUTLOOK
Water
Scottish Water should be developed into a more democratic
structure, as proposed in the STUC/UNISON document It's
Scotland's Water. This requires that it is put firmly
into public ownership, to operate not as if it was a private
corporation, but as a public service. It would not be required
to prioritise market efficiency over social or environmental
efficiency. The investment needed could be most efficiently
achieved by cutting out the profit guaranteed to the financial
markets and the other hidden costs of a market or privatised
model. Most importantly the control over decisions in the
delivery of safe, sustainable water would rest not at the
whim of the market but with the people of Scotland.
We believe the main elements of the democratic structure
for Scottish Water should include:
- accountability through information and openness to public
participation regarding financing, safe water (public
health) and environmental protection
- public involvement throughout operation and investment
- enabling cross-subsidy of public services
- a fair and equitable approach to charging
- a democratic model with public representation at its
core
The new body should have a statutory duty to prepare a
public involvement structure that would have to be approved
by the Scottish Parliament.
In November 2009 the Scottish Government and the
Water Industry Commission for Scotland made combating climate
change a priority one objective in Scottish Water's objectives
and investment plan.
Energy
UNISON Scotland has consistently argued the need
for a balanced energy policy in Scotland, including a range
of sources. The absence of such a policy, and the pursuit
of a competitive market at all costs have led us to a position
where we now face an imminent energy gap with no plan to
replace current power generating capacity and insufficient
renewable sources as viable alternatives. In the present
energy crisis we also face rising fuel costs and increasing
fuel poverty.
We believe that only a planned, balanced energy policy
can provide security of supply and meet our targets for
addressing climate change. With concerted action in this
direction from both Scottish and UK Governments, we can
deliver the future we want in Scotland in terms of the production,
distribution and more efficient use of energy; meet objectives
of increasing renewable energy generation and reducing emissions;
secure energy supplies at an affordable price; and maximise
economic benefits from the energy industries.
KEY QUESTIONS
How can we promote a more democratic structure in Scottish
Water?
How can we make Scottish Waters environmental responsibilities
a political priority?
What need to be done to promote Scotland’s capacity
for renewable energy?
What policies are needed to promote Scotland as an energy
exporter?
Draft published: 5 December 2009
Current version updated: 27 January 2010
Members and branches can help to develop these
policy ideas further.
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