Scotland’s environmental regulator and flood authority
Scotland's First Minister has unveiled a programme for government that would reduce the number of regional health boards, merge environmental quangos, and consider regional public service delivery models without creating new layers of administration.
Public access to rivers remains severely limited across large parts of England and Wales, despite calls for a right of responsible access. New data shows vast riverbanks lack access within 100m of water, while authorities warn that drought conditions and heatwave risk intensifying shortages. Scotland also tightens water-use rules as abstractions face temporary limits.
Scottish Water executives have received substantial performance payments amid rising household bills and ongoing sewage concerns. Critics say payouts undermine public trust as the government grapples with wage and bonus controls in the sector.