Section 25 – General powers
53.This section confers on Scottish Water wider general powers than those that the existing authorities have under section 89 of the 1994 Act.
54.Subsection (1) confers on Scottish Water a new general power to engage in any activity (whether in Scotland or elsewhere) that is not inconsistent with the exercise by it of its core water and sewerage functions. Subsection (2) confers on Scottish Water an ancillary power to do anything that will assist it to discharge both its core functions and its general power under subsection (1). Subsections (3) to (5) provide illustrations of the things that Scottish Water can do by virtue of this ancillary power; but the list is not an exhaustive description of what can be done. Subsections (3)(e), (4) and (5) are based on provision made in relation to local authorities by section 1 of the Local Government (Contracts) Act 1997.
55.Subsection (6) makes it clear that the powers conferred on Scottish Water by this section are additional to any other powers they may have; but the powers cannot be used to avoid any express prohibitions or restrictions placed on it elsewhere. It also establishes that the section does not enable Scottish Water to raise funds beyond the restrictions provided for in sections 41 and 42.
56.Scottish Water must exercise its powers under this section in accordance with directions to be given by the Scottish Ministers under section 56.