South East Water faces penalties over supply disruptions and rising bills as Ofwat approves extra investment; CEO changes spark leadership upheaval while heatwaves strain water demand.
As temperatures surge across the UK and Europe, schools face red heat warnings. Authorities urge adaptive measures from headteachers, including flexible timings, ventilation, hydration, and possible early closures. The debate over whether to close schools or keep them open intensifies as unions demand better climate-ready infrastructure.
South East Water has designated John Halsall as chief executive designate amid ongoing leadership upheaval after the resignation of David Hinton. Halsall pledges short-term improvements and a 2.1 billion investment to boost reliability and resilience, as the company faces repeated outages and regulatory scrutiny.
The UK is under a red heat warning as a spell of extreme heat drives record temperatures across southern England and Wales. Hospitals declare incidents, water companies enforce hosepipe bans, and travel is disrupted as rail and road networks struggle to cope.
UK households face water-use restrictions as heatwaves push demand. South East Water and Southern Water have introduced temporary hosepipe bans in Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with further restrictions possible as a third heatwave of the year looms. The Met Office warns continued extreme temperatures, while water firms stress reduced outdoor use to protect supplies.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warns that AI poses a Hiroshima‑style risk unless international rules are agreed. She outlines concerns over climate change, migration and foreign interference, and argues for a stronger UK‑EU relationship in security and trade.
Ofwat has concluded three investigations into South East Water’s supply failures, customer failings and licence breach. The final package will be paid by shareholders, not customers, and includes 5m for free water butts, 5m for accelerated smart metering, and 5m for on-site storage, with a 13m turnaround fund and 1m for vulnerable sites. An independent monitor will oversee performance improvements.
Gatwick Airport is experiencing a continued water supply disruption due to a power outage at a local treatment works. Bottled water is being distributed and contingency measures are in place as authorities work to restore normal service across both terminals.
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 faced a fifth heatwave this summer, with record highs in several locations. A cooler spell is moving in over the weekend, bringing rain to some drought-affected areas. Health alerts remain in place as authorities monitor ongoing drought and heat-related pressures.
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.