Flood Defences Twickenham 2025-12-18
2025-12-18
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Environment Agency recently updated the flood risk map to include an additional 3,800 homes at risk of flooding in Teddington. The update caused alarm among residents and concerns about property insurance premiums.
Recently, out of the blue, the Environment Agency’s flood risk map was updated to include an extra 3,800 homes in Teddington in my constituency at flood risk. There has been zero engagement with residents or elected representatives, and this is causing a lot of alarm and concern about how people and their homes can be protected. It has an impact on insurance premiums and those buying and selling homes in the area. What assurances can the Minister give my constituents about engagement in future and, more importantly, what mitigations and protections are being put in place?
The hon. Lady raises an important point. Part of the purpose of that mapping is to inform people and the wider community. For the very first time, the mapping under the new national flood risk assessment—NaFRA 2—includes the risk from surface water flooding, which was never included in previous maps; previously, only tidal and river were included. It is part of informing people. It is not that they have an increased risk; it is that, for the first time, that risk has been displayed to them. Of course, it is very important that all of this is articulated carefully and considerately with elected Members of Parliament. If she would like, I can put her directly in contact with the EA area director, who can talk a bit more about the detail that is available on these maps and how they can better inform residents and local communities about the level of flood risk they could be subjected to.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide assurances regarding future engagement or specific mitigations and protections to be put in place, focusing instead on explaining the purpose of the mapping update.
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Response accuracy