Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Acknowledged
The Tunbridge Wells incident and Ofwat investigations reveal that South East Water’s leadership has repeatedly...
Conclusion
The Tunbridge Wells incident and Ofwat investigations reveal that South East Water’s leadership has repeatedly proved itself incapable of implementing the lessons learnt from previous incidents, even simple ones such as having a communication strategy for when resolution timeframes are unclear. While the company was clearly trying to learn from its previous mistakes, it caused more problems in doing so, indicative of an inability to understand and resolve core problems. This is not through lack of warnings or proposed solutions, but an inability to adapt swiftly to mitigate future risks. Despite claims that they are otherwise a “good company”, this has manifested in a shocking performance, failing to deliver the basic function of a water company: delivering water. No other metrics of success can offset this fundamental shortcoming. (Conclusion, Paragraph 56)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government acknowledges that South East Water's leadership has taken responsibility for failings, noting the resignations of the Chair and Chief Executive. It states the company must now implement changes and commits that the government and regulators will continue to work with the company through regular performance meetings during this transition.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
It is right that South East Water’s leadership has taken responsibility for the ongoing failures. The resignations of the Chair and Chief Executive reflect the seriousness of what has happened, and the company must now make the changes needed to turn its performance around. Government and regulators will continue to work with South East Water through regular performance meetings during the company’s transition to new leadership.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗