Flood Response

The Opposition Member of Parliament thanked the Secretary of State for her statement and expressed concerns over the climate crisis's impact on extreme weather. He urged the Government to take proactive measures, acknowledging that austerity has affected local authorities' ability to respond to flooding. Pollard called for a comprehensive plan for flooding that includes reversing cuts to frontline services, investing in flood prevention, promoting land use change, and providing proper funding for councils in high-risk areas.

The Government have a comprehensive programme to tackle climate change, including decarbonising the economy faster than any other G7 nation and committing legally to net zero emissions. The Environment Bill aims to mitigate the impact of flooding by restoring habitats and planting trees. The planning system must account for flood risk; local authorities should apply for Bellwin scheme funding as soon as possible. Flood defences will receive £4 billion over five years, and match funding from various sources has maximised impact. Flood Re improves insurance access but is being reviewed independently after concerns in South Yorkshire.

Requests the Secretary of State to ensure local authorities clear drains and not pave over green fields, as this leads to severe storm damage such as that caused by Storm Ciara.

Expresses condolences for those affected by the recent severe weather and asks what steps will be taken to improve transport network resilience, suggesting engagement with devolved Administrations is necessary.

Asks how the Department can help local authorities work with flood victims to access resilience funding and apply for Flood Re insurance successfully.

Reports ongoing flooding in Calderdale affecting 400 residential properties, businesses, eight schools, two care homes, and two bridges. Requests a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss recovery measures and access flood grants quickly.

Concerned that residents flooded in 2015 are being affected again by recent flooding, asks for assurances on future flood defence investments.

Asks the Department to work alongside the Welsh Government to ensure essential railway lines in Wales are resilient against climate change impacts.

Pays tribute to Environment Agency staff working diligently during flooding incidents, highlights link between planning system and flood incidence.

Concerned about inadequate Government help for those without insurance three months on from November floods. Requests review of match funding criteria in South Yorkshire.

Asks the Secretary of State to look closely at a bid for a national flood resilience centre submitted by Humberside fire authority, Hull university and North Lincolnshire Council.

Kirkstall in my constituency was devastated by floods on Boxing Day 2015, and we were on high alert all day yesterday. Leeds had a close escape but there remains a £23 million gap between the Government's commitment to flood defences and what is needed for future protection.

We have an extensive programme underway; we are committed to protecting many more homes and businesses from flooding. We will consider maintenance funding for drainage boards, local authorities and the EA in the Budget and spending review.

My constituency is one of the most flood-prone areas; while we are grateful for hundreds of miles of flood defences and past funding announcements, ongoing maintenance is crucial. I urge the Secretary of State to ensure that maintenance funding is available.

Promises have been broken on issues such as insurance, upper catchment management and resilience in the city itself. I urge the Secretary of State to expedite action and meet me to discuss threats facing my constituents.

Farmers are likely to be badly affected by these latest floods; what assurances can you give that farmers will receive the support they need?

The climate emergency causes such extreme weather events. Do the Government have a plan for where millions of trees proposed by them and their party will be planted, and when will it be published?

I pay tribute to emergency services, Hawick flood group, volunteers, and agencies for the evacuation of a building that collapsed into the River Teviot during the recent flooding.

Will you agree to extend a statutory duty on flood response to fire and rescue services in England, similar to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

What advice do you have for those who are not covered under the Flood Re scheme and find it difficult to get insurance?

Will my right hon. Friend meet me and other relevant agencies to ensure Ramsbottom has a flood defence scheme at the earliest opportunity?

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the same support package will be offered to householders and businesses affected by flooding again, as it was in 2015?

Penrith and The Border was hit very hard. Will my right hon. Friend assure me that efforts across the whole Government will be mobilised to support these people as quickly as possible?

We have six new flood defence schemes in West Worcestershire but need more. How much of the £4 billion increase in flood defence funding has already been programmed?

He raises concerns about houses being built on floodplains, causing problems for both those homes and downstream properties. He calls for the Planning Inspectorate to ensure that satisfactory drainage systems are approved by local authorities when planning decisions are overturned.

He highlights issues with overflowing drains in urban areas caused not by blockages but by problems downstream in water waste pipes. He urges the Secretary of State to maintain pressure on water companies to properly manage waste water drainage.

He expresses sympathy for flood victims and concern about rural communities' vulnerability to flooding from small gullies. He questions who is responsible for ensuring that homes are protected against future flooding risks.

She calls for a reconsideration of the support offered to areas repeatedly affected by flooding and suggests better collaboration among agencies involved in flood prevention and response.

He thanks the Secretary of State for her responsiveness during recent flooding incidents and requests a meeting to address ongoing issues affecting residents since November, particularly focusing on the Environment Agency's role in flood recovery.

He expresses concern about his constituency’s vulnerability to both flooding and overzealous development ambitions. He seeks assurance that the Government remains committed to protecting an additional 300,000 homes from flood risks.

He emphasises the dual threat of heavy storms and high tides causing coastal flooding in his constituency. He requests assurances that future plans include funding for building resilience into coastal regions.

She pays tribute to local authorities, emergency services, and volunteers involved in the clean-up efforts after recent flooding. She suggests using ex-offenders for community payback schemes focusing on dredging and flood prevention.

He thanks the Secretary of State for her assistance during his inspection tour to assess flood damage in Ribchester and Whalley, expressing gratitude for her support.