David Simpson

Professor David Simpson was the founding director of the Fraser of Allander Institute an institute based at the University of Strathclyde, where he was Professor of Economics. As well as being a Trustee of the David Hume Institute. Professor Simpson was also at one time economic advisor to Standard Life. In 2001 he contributed to a Policy Institute paper 'Calling Scotland to Account' [^[1]. His contribution advocated greater Fiscal Autonomy based on greater fiscal responsibility, thus engendering greater economic efficiency. The social consequences or 'social inefficiencies' is not something that is considered too much.

David Simpson is now a member of the Water Industry Commission (WIC). The economic regulator for the Water Industry in Scotland. They have statutory powers to set the spending budgets that Scottish Water must adhere to. The Scottish Executive places great power and faith in the WIC, to shape the future of the Scottish Water industry. Given the background of David Simpson, being involved in organisations advocating neo-liberal economics, it would be reasonable to conclude that, for him, an appropriate outcome for Scottish Water would be its privatisation. The concern for the people of Scotland is that he has disproportionate power and influence to achieve just that.