Flood Protection Funding 2024-12-19
2024-12-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about inadequate funding for flood protection which has left communities vulnerable to flooding, with recent outages in Southampton.
I am concerned about the reforms made regarding funding for flood protection. What specific changes have been implemented to ensure better support and allocation of funds?
We will have a public consultation in the new year on the formula that allocates flood defence funding. Protecting communities from flooding is a top priority, and later today I will have a winter flood preparedness meeting.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reforms or allocations for flood defence funding were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP represents a constituency with many farmers impacted by severe weather last year, seeking updates on funds available through the farming recovery fund.
My constituents are asking for an update on the funding made available via the farming recovery fund to support farmers affected by last year's severe weather. Can you provide details on the amount and distribution of this funding?
We are releasing £60 million via the farming recovery fund to support farmers impacted by last year's severe weather—£10 million more than was planned by the previous Government—and £55.7 million has been paid out to over 12,700 farm businesses.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP raises the issue of climate change denial in Parliament while communities face severe flooding consequences, highlighting previous government's neglect of flood defence maintenance.
While some MPs deny climate change, people are suffering from increased floods. The last Government left our flood defences in a poor state. Does the Minister agree this needs urgent national priority?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The previous Government left flood defences in a state of disrepair—the worst state on record—leaving 60,000 homes exposed. That is why this Government will invest £2.4 billion into defences over the next two years.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP addresses the issue of developers failing to construct adequate flood defences or disclose risks, leaving residents and councils powerless.
In Fylde, new housing developments have been built in flood-prone areas without proper mitigation measures. What plans does the Minister have to empower councils and residents against non-compliant developers?
I share the hon. Gentleman's upset about the rules on housing and flooding not being implemented by the previous Government. We need more sustainable urban drainage in more developments, and it is important that it is built into planning applications to begin with. If he would like to contact me, I can look into the matter in more detail for him.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or actions against non-compliant developers were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the ongoing flooding issues in Huntingdon and asks about funding availability for constructing additional retention ponds.
Flooding continues to impact many constituents in Huntingdon, and local efforts like the recently opened alderman's retention pond at Sallows farm have been successful. What Government funding is available for further such measures?
I thank all flood action groups around the country for doing incredible work for their communities. We are investing £2.4 billion over the next couple of years. I hope to be able to give more detail in the new year.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding details or timelines were not provided
Response accuracy