Agenda item

Ms Claudine Russell was present for this item. 

1.    The report was introduced by Rebecca Spore, Director of Infrastructure, who outlined the establishment of the Short- Focussed Inquiry (SFI) on Water Supply and Quality. She also advised that the scope be broadened beyond Southeast (SE) Water to cover the whole of Kent, ensuring that the SFI covered all water- related incidents that had recently taken place. Mrs Spore also highlighted the ongoing work by other organisations in respect of the water quality/ outages in Kent which would need to be considered as part of the SFI. This included the Kent & Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF), Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) as well as additional funding which had been secured in the Growth, Environment and Transport (GET) directorate to support work regarding water resources. 

2.    In response the report, the Chairman welcomed comments and views from the Committee which covered the following: 

a)    A Member argued since the full Council meeting, it had become clear the water supply issues extended beyond the expected scope of the SFI, with many communities served by SE Water experiencing water outages. They also recognised the serious challenges about sustainability of water supplies and the reliability of SE Water and other providers. It was also stressed that the SFI should address how water companies work with the KMRF and local councils due to existing water outage protocols failing to activate during recent incidents. 

b)    Ms Claudine Russell requested that the SFI consider the specific needs of livestock farmers due to many being left without water, dedicated support or reporting routes from providers. It was also suggested that the SFI examine differing impacts on urban and rural communities, including access to emergency water stations and reliable transport links. She further highlighted concerns about communication during outages, including clarity of responsibilities and timeliness of information. Committee Members expressed support for these proposals being incorporated into the SFI.  

c)    A Member requested the SFI examine the security and long- term resilience of the water supply, citing underlying issues that had gone unresolved. The Member also stressed ongoing concerns about emergency water provision during outages. 

d)    In response to a question surrounding governance, it was confirmed that the Scrutiny Committee held the responsibility of establishing and setting the scope for the SFI, rather than Full Council.   

e)    It was confirmed that the SFI would exist separately to the Kent Flood Risk and Water Management Committee and that the intention of the SFI was to establish the role Kent could play in ensuring water supply to residents.  

3.    The Chairman proposed the Scrutiny Committee agree: 

1. To establish a Short- Focussed Inquiry into the Failure in Water Supply in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas and subsequent supply interruptions in early January 2026. 

2. To delegate to Officers, in conjunction with members of the SFI group, the arrangement of the Inquiry as outlined in the report. 

4.    The Chairman further proposed the Committee take into consideration the advice provided by Mrs Spore and Ms Russell in relation to setting of the parameters of the SFI and acknowledge that the SFI would report back to the Scrutiny Committee in May 2026. This was agreed by the Scrutiny Committee. 

5.    RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Committee agree: 

1. To establish a Short- Focussed Inquiry into the Failure in Water Supply in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas and subsequent supply interruptions in early January 2026. 

2. To delegate to Officers, in conjunction with members of the SFI group, the arrangement of the Inquiry as outlined in the report. 

3. To take into consideration the advice provided by Mrs Spore and Ms Russell in relation to setting the parameters of the SFI and acknowledge that the SFI would report back to the Scrutiny Committee in May 2026.