British water utility serving Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire
England faces a severe drought as reservoirs across the south and east run low following a record-hot summer. Authorities urge daily monitoring, water restrictions where needed, and long‑term resilience measures as climate pressures persist.
South East Water has left up to 7,000 properties around Tunbridge Wells with low pressure, intermittent supply or no water after a temporary instrument failure at a local treatment works over the weekend. The company has apologised, opened bottled water stations and used tankers while storage tanks top up; Ofwat has ordered a a330.5m improvement package.
The UK is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures rising to the mid-30s across England and Wales. Health alerts are in place for vulnerable groups, and authorities warn of impacts on infrastructure and water supplies as a heatwave extends into the week.
The UK has endured a fifth heatwave this summer, with temperatures pushing into the mid-30s in parts of England and Wales. Health alerts remain in place as drought conditions deepen, with millions under hosepipe bans and reservoirs running low. Forecasters warn the heat could sustain into the week, while authorities prepare extreme heat measures and monitor infrastructure strain.
Ofwat has provisionally allowed five of 13 water companies in England and Wales to raise charges by about £3.4bn by 2030 to fund infrastructure upgrades, address PFAS and support housing and data-centre growth. Bills for several firms will rise in 2027–28 and 2029–30, with final confirmation due after consultation in December.
The Consumer Council for Water has reported a record rise in complaints to both the watchdog and water companies as bills climb. England and Wales saw the highest year-on-year increase in two decades, with billing and affordability at the heart of public discontent. Regulators affirm ongoing upgrades and accountability across the sector.
The major UK parties are rolling out policies to address NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training). The BBC, The Mirror and The Guardian outlets report on proposals to replace or reform Universal Credit with work-focused schemes, including mandatory attendance, in-work wage subsidies, and possible benefit cuts for non-compliance. Critics warn about dignity, feasibility, and the risk of increasing poverty.