Flooding: Rural Communities

Opened the debate

Water has no respect for property, leading to repeated flooding in communities across Rutland, Harborough, and South Kesteven villages. In Whissendine, the White Lion pub flooded four times in 2024, with insurers walking away due to severe damage. Residents are forced to spend thousands on flood defences. The sewage system failed during a storm in Tallington, leaving residents without basic amenities for days. Despite securing and completing works on the culvert under the railway, more flooding has occurred at Thurnby brook and Braceborough. Greatford saw homes severely damaged, with some uninhabitable for over a year after storms. Residents are also concerned about a 1,300-acre solar plant being imposed on flood plains near their homes.

Government Response

The Minister acknowledged the severity of flooding issues and thanked Alicia Kearns for raising them. She highlighted ongoing work with internal drainage boards, emergency services, local authorities, and others to improve flood resilience. The Government has invested heavily in flood defences, including £1.4 billion in 2026-27 to protect homes and businesses across the UK. This includes over £5 million for debris screens and almost £260 million for managing EA assets damaged by recent storms. The Minister also mentioned a new hydraulic model for catchments in Rutland's area, aiming to enhance flood risk management. She emphasised the importance of natural flood management solutions and expressed willingness to engage with local councillors on section 19 reports. However, she referred questions about council tax adjustments to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.