1994 Strathclyde water referendum

1994 Strathclyde water referendum

March 1994 (1994-03)

Do you agree with the government's proposal for the future of water and sewerage services?
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 33,956 2.76%
No 1,194,667 97.24%
Valid votes 1,228,623 99.86%
Invalid or blank votes 1,705 0.14%
Total votes 1,230,328 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 1,720,940 71.49%

In 1994, the ruling Conservative Government of the United Kingdom brought forward plans to overhaul a number of aspects of local government in Scotland as part of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994. Part II of the Act reorganised Scotland's water supply and sewerage services, previously the responsibility of regional councils. Three water authorities were established: East of Scotland Water; West of Scotland Water; and North of Scotland Water. The main reason for this reorganisation was to prepare for the privatisation of water services, to bring Scotland into line with the rest of the UK. The water authorities in England and Wales had been privatised in 1989. However, public opinion was strongly against such a move, with successive polls showing 86–91% of people definitely opposed.[1]

  1. ^ The Scotsman 8 March 1993