Decision

The Council has decided to request a public meeting with South East Water to address communication protocols and infrastructure upgrades in Canterbury.

Analysis

outcome: The outcome of the decision is for Canterbury City Council to request a public meeting with South East Water, ensure open questioning and public engagement, and request commitments for improved communication, engagement with local councillors, collaborative planning, and infrastructure upgrades.

summary: The issue at stake is the communication protocols and infrastructure upgrades of South East Water in Canterbury.

topline: The Council has decided to request a public meeting with South East Water to address communication protocols and infrastructure upgrades in Canterbury.

reason_contentious: This issue is contentious as it involves emergency water supply, infrastructure upgrades, and public engagement, which are important to local stakeholders.

affected_stakeholders: ["Canterbury City Council", "South East Water", "Local councillors", "Members of the public"]

contentiousness_score: 7

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties in the decision.

URL: https://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1627

Decision Maker: Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: That Council:    1. Request that Canterbury City Council urgently requests David Hinton, CEO of South East Water, organises a public meeting on this issue to be attended by councillors and members of the public.    2. Ensure that this meeting is held in an accessible public venue, with open questioning from Councillors and an opportunity for public engagement.   3. Request SEW to commit to:  ·        Improved communication protocols during emergencies ·        Ongoing and meaningful engagement with local councillors, who are vital channels of local information and support  ·        Collaborative planning on the location of emergency water stations ·        And a clear, time-bound plan to invest in and upgrade infrastructure to meet current and future demand.   4. Invite SEW to attend a formal scrutiny committee meeting within twelve months to report on progress against the commitments made at the public meeting and in their letter of 10 July 2025.   

Date of Decision: July 24, 2025