Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) update 27 March 2026
The CMA’s Final Redetermination is the final step in the regulatory process that confirms what we are allowed to invest in our network over the next five years with the support of customers, to strengthen the resilience of our network, reduce customer supply interruptions, and improve customer service.
The overall outcome of the appeal is expected to provide over £100 million of
additional funding for South East Water, including increased resilience funding which will give us greater ability to invest directly in our network. With this additional funding, it means we can proceed with what will be the largest investment programme in the company’s history.
We particularly welcome the funding support for the Bewl Water Treatment Works scheme, including around £30 million to progress this game-changing project. We have already made significant progress connecting into Bewl, and this funding will now enable the additional treatment and transfer capacity needed to fully utilise the site, including the Bewl-Cottage Hill pipeline we began building 18 months ago. This will help us balance supplies across Sussex and parts of Kent, providing a better service for our communities across the region.
As we set out in our original Business Plan, we sought additional funding with the help of our customers to improve resilience, across our networks which are tested during extreme weather, meet rising demand in a water-stressed region, and deliver the infrastructure and technology needed for long-term water security.
The performance targets and financial incentives remain stretching, and we still anticipate the next five years to be a challenging period. Our focus is now getting the investment to areas where it is needed and making clear changes that can be felt by our customers and the communities South East Water is here to serve.