South East Water has paid out a £9 million dividend and its chief executive has pocketed a six-figure bonus, despite a year of supply-related problems. The company’s annual results also reveal that the firm made a £74 million pre-tax loss, representing a £91 million swing compared to the £17 million profit recorded last year. Union bosses and consumer groups have questioned the appropriateness of the dividend and bonus payments, given the loss-making firm has also been blighted by performance issues.