Water contract to make savings

AWB is winning bidder of contract that will create huge efficiencies for public bodies in Scotland.

A new contract has been signed between Anglian Water Business (AWB) and the Scottish Government, which will see the Company look after water bills for Scotland’s schools, hospitals and other public buildings.

Creating savings of some £40M for public bodies, the deal will bring jobs, apprenticeships and training to Scotland through AWB’s Edinburgh office.

Scottish Water will continue to provide the water for 96.5% of Scotland’s population that it currently supplies.

AWB’s bid offered immediate savings of £5M a year compared to the nearest bid, together with water efficiency support to reduce water consumption.

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities Keith Brown said: “This is the best deal for Scotland under the rules that bind us, and this contract will save public bodies up to £10m annually for the initial three year period of the contract with the option to extend for a further 12 months.

“Legislation introduced by a previous administration to safeguard the public status of Scottish Water requires us to tender out these services.

“But we have ensured that Scottish Water remains in public hands, and we have secured the best possible deal to ensure Scotland benefits.

“New staff are being recruited in Scotland to manage the new contract and we have secured a Living Wage guarantee. In addition, AWB will more than double their Edinburgh workforce, as well as planning for new apprenticeships and trainees.

“AWB will also work with public bodies to reduce their impact on the environment and reduce their water consumption.

“But the biggest benefit of all will be the money that can be ploughed back into the services provided by those buildings – the schools, hospitals and public offices – throughout Scotland.”

The post Water contract to make savings appeared first on UK Construction Online.