The chief executive of South East Water, David Hinton, has resigned following criticism from MPs for leaving thousands of homes without water supply. The company announced Hinton’s decision to step down, allowing for a smooth transition. Hinton’s departure was attributed to the need to focus on ensuring a reliable water supply for customers.
Hinton, who earned £457,534 in the last financial year, faced scrutiny for his substantial salary and bonuses. His resignation comes amidst a period of increased customer bills and reported outages. Despite forgoing a performance payment due to service disruptions, Hinton’s exit aligns with the company’s efforts to address leadership concerns.
The resignation of Hinton and South East Water’s chairman, Chris Train, follows a series of failures that led to water supply issues in Kent and East Sussex. The company’s ownership structure, with significant stakes held by foreign entities, has faced criticism for underinvestment and rising customer costs.
Regulator Ofwat has proposed a £22 million fine for South East Water due to supply failures affecting over 286,000 individuals. The company’s response to these incidents has been under scrutiny by parliamentary committees, highlighting the need for improved corporate culture and accountability.
Various stakeholders have expressed support for Hinton’s resignation as a step towards rebuilding trust and improving service delivery. Calls for a new direction in water management, focusing on public ownership and customer needs, signal a broader conversation on industry reforms.