RENTERS have hit out at a rise in water charges proposed to come into force next year.

Prices are set to increase by around two per cent above the inflation rate from 2021 over the next six years.

The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS), who sets water charges, insist the potential hike will allow Scottish Water to deliver £4.5billion in investment, an increase of more than £1bn from the investment allowed in the current 2015-21 regulatory period.

However, the Scottish Tenants Association said the hike is coming at the wrong time when families are already feeling the financial constraints caused by the coronavirus.

Citizen’s Advice Scotland (CAS) echoed the concerns, but insisted Scottish Government’s intimation of protection from price hikes for society’s most vulnerable was a “win”.