Communities Vulnerable to Flooding 2025-03-20
2025-03-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by concerns over the current funding formula for flood defenses, which does not adequately consider agricultural land. This issue affects communities' ability to protect themselves from flooding.
The Environment Agency allocates its budgets to carry out work on flood defences on the basis of a funding formula, but that formula does not give sufficient weight to agricultural land. Will the Minister undertake a review of the formula, so that agricultural land gets the flood defences it needs?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. I completely agree that the previous flooding formula did not work for rural communities, which is exactly why we are consulting to change it. The consultation will be announced shortly, and I encourage him and every Member across the House to get involved in shaping the formula, so we can make sure it delivers the right outcomes for everybody up and down our country.
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Assessment & feedback
Emma Hardy did not commit to a specific review of the funding formula but rather said they are consulting on changing it soon.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Following a public meeting after devastating New Year's Day flooding in Lilford, residents are facing ongoing struggles with their insurance companies, including high premiums and excess fees. This is prompting concerns about the support provided by the insurance industry to those affected.
First, I thank the Minister for visiting Lilford in Leigh after the devastating new year’s day flooding. We had a public meeting on Saturday, and three months after those floods, residents are still struggling to get any real progress from their insurance companies, while others face extortionate premiums and excess fees. What discussions is the Minister having with the insurance industry on improving how they support residents?
It was a pleasure to see my hon. Friend and see how tirelessly she was championing and supporting her local constituents after such a devastating flood. Concerns around flood insurance have been raised, so the floods resilience taskforce is setting up an insurance sub-group, through which some of its members will deep-dive into the challenges and opportunities for improvement on flood defences. If she has any further evidence that she would like me to look at, it would be very helpful to receive it.
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Assessment & feedback
Emma Hardy did not specify ongoing discussions with the insurance industry but mentioned an upcoming sub-group focused on challenges and opportunities for improvement in flood defences.
Response accuracy