The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a rare red health alert for six regions of England as extreme heat threatens to hit 40°C this week. The alert covers the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and east of England from 1am Wednesday to 11pm Thursday. An amber alert also applies to the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber for the same period.
Compensation for Train Delays and Cancellations
Train travellers face delays and cancellations as heat can cause rails to expand and buckle. Passengers are generally entitled to compensation if they arrive 15 minutes or more late. For delays of 15 to 29 minutes, you can claim 25% of the ticket cost; for 30 to 59 minutes, 50%; and for delays over an hour, a full refund. For return tickets, compensation is typically 50% of the total cost for the delayed portion.
Internet Outage Compensation
If your internet fails during the heatwave, you may be entitled to £10.34 per calendar day if the service is not fully restored after two full working days. If an engineer misses a scheduled appointment or cancels with less than 24 hours' notice, you get £32.31 per missed appointment.
Power Cut Compensation
Hot weather increases energy demand, potentially causing power outages. If your home is without power for more than 12 hours and fewer than 5,000 premises are affected, you can claim £95, plus £45 for each additional 12 hours. For disruptions affecting over 5,000 premises, compensation starts after 24 hours at £95, then £45 per 12 hours up to a total of £390. For unexpected gas supply cuts, you are entitled to at least £70 for every 24 hours without gas.
Water Disruption Compensation
If your water supply is interrupted by an emergency and not restored within 12 hours of the supplier becoming aware, you get £20 for the first 24 hours, then £10 for each further 24-hour period. For issues with a strategic main pipe, suppliers have 48 hours before compensation applies. Your water company should provide an alternative supply, such as bottled water, if you are without water for more than 12 hours. However, compensation may not be paid if the heat prevents the supplier from restoring the supply.
