Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Acknowledged
These failures are symptomatic of significant cultural problems that cannot be readily explained by issues...
Conclusion
These failures are symptomatic of significant cultural problems that cannot be readily explained by issues with the wider regulatory framework: this includes South East Water’s failure to engage with external stakeholders, inclination for groupthink, inability to analyse problems, incapability to implement basic changes and a propensity to shirk responsibility. This culture, which permeates through all the company’s key decision- making processes, needs to change, and culture starts from the top. As such, we have no confidence that the executive team at South East Water is capable of this challenge, nor any confidence in the team itself. (Conclusion, Paragraph 77)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government acknowledges that South East Water's leadership has taken responsibility for cultural 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 the transition to new leadership.
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 ↗