Sussex in the news: South East Water’s Kent/Sussex supply crisis drags on amid heat demand; leaders facing scrutiny. A historic region now tied to water woes.
Unilever plans to merge its food division with McCormick in a $15.7 billion cash and equity deal, creating a global flavor powerhouse. The transaction, expected to close by mid-2027, will see Unilever's shareholders owning 55% of the new entity, marking a significant shift in its strategic focus.
Harry and Meghan have arrived in Australia for a four-day private visit, focusing on mental health, veterans, and community resilience. Their trip includes private engagements, paid events, and support for charitable causes, with some police costs covered by Australian taxpayers. This marks their first visit since 2018, emphasizing advocacy and private activities.
The UK’s South East Water is facing high demand as reservoirs run low during a spell of extreme May heat. Around 18,000 customers in Kent have experienced intermittent supply, with authorities urging essential use while bottled water is distributed to vulnerable households. Authorities warn the hot weather will continue to strain supplies.
South East Water faces ongoing outages amid a heatwave, with thousands without water across Kent and Sussex. Regulators warn of pressure on resilience and investment plans, while councils pledge new scrutiny and partnerships to improve reliability. Pennon and Ofwat are central to the evolving response.
A series of cryptosporidium outbreaks linked to water companies has resulted in fines and prosecutions, underscoring ongoing failures in water safety. The Guardian, Independent reports show South West Water was fined for supplying unfit water after cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in Devon (Brixham) in 2024, with hundreds ill and thousands under boil notices. MPs and regulators criticize governance and communication as residents report long-term health impacts and enduring mistrust in tap water.