Support for Tunbridge Wells businesses following December supply interruptions

We understand how incredibly difficult and disruptive the water supply issues and subsequent Boil Water Notice were for business customers in Tunbridge Wells during the lead-up to Christmas 2025.

While statutory Guaranteed Standards of Service (GSS) payments were fast-tracked to businesses via water retailers before Christmas, South East Water has committed to a separate, voluntary discretionary fund. This fund is specifically for businesses that faced financial losses beyond the standard GSS amounts.

We have partnered with the law firm Wedlake Bell LLP to administer this scheme independently and more information is available below. Please note that the compensation scheme being administered by Wedlake Bell for South East Water Limited will be out of a voluntary fund. The distribution will not be part of an insurance claim, and it will be distributed upon a discretionary basis. Any distribution to you does not impact your statutory rights, for example under GSS or your ability to pursue a civil action.

Once you have provided the above information, your case will be forwarded to Wedlake Bell for consideration and determination. They might require further documentary evidence of your loss and its circumstances prior to reaching a decision. The anticipated time scale for distribution of the fund is 31 August 2026.

Please note that the cut-off date for consideration of any claim upon the fund is 31 May 2026.

To apply, please send the following information to sew@wedlakebell.com:

1. Provide your business name and trading address, and the registered name and number of your company. If you trade from more than one site, provide details.
2. Please supply a full set of your business accounts for the period including December 2025 (unaudited is acceptable).
3. Have you suffered any financial losses as a result of the interruption of supply? If so, provide your calculation of the losses.
4. Please provide a brief description of the methodology applied in your calculation above.
5. Did you have business interruption insurance at the relevant time? If so, please provide details and confirm whether you have made a claim under it and the outcome of the claim.

If you have any questions regarding your application please contact 01376 557249.

Once again, we are incredibly sorry for the disruption to your water supply and the impact this has had on you and your business.