Flash Flooding London 2022-01-27
2022-01-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Flash flooding incidents occurred in London last summer, affecting Felicity Buchan's constituency. The government's response was inadequate according to residents.
What steps are being taken to tackle the risk of flash flooding in London? I thank my hon. Friend for her question, and I pay tribute to all those who responded to the flash flooding incidents in London last summer, which took everybody so by surprise. I know that her constituency was particularly affected.
We have doubled our flood defence programme to £5.2 billion, with 34% of planned projects aimed at surface water management. That includes £13 million this year for 32 schemes across London, which will better protect 2,300 properties.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
In July, Felicity Buchan's constituency experienced devastating flooding affecting over 2,000 homes. Many residents are still in temporary accommodation due to the flood damage.
What can my hon. Friend and the Department do to hold water companies to account and ensure that Ofwat is tough in regulating them? In July my constituency experienced devastating flooding, with more than 2,000 homes affected. Many residents are still in temporary accommodation, and many have lost all of their belongings, especially those in basement flats.
We expect water companies to carry out their duties and deliver on their commitments, and we fully support the regulators in holding them to account. In the 2019 price review, Ofwat confirmed that Thames Water had incurred a penalty of £148 million for cancelling the Counter's Creek project.
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Assessment & feedback
The question asked about specific actions and regulations from the Department; instead, she referenced past penalties but did not specify future commitments or new measures.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Flooding is a significant challenge across the country. Dan Jarvis and his colleagues are launching 'Connected by Water', a regional flooding strategy for South Yorkshire designed to protect businesses and homes.
Will she commit to working with us to secure the additional £76 million that we need to deliver Connected by Water? As you and the House will know, Mr Speaker, flooding is of course a challenge right around the country. I am grateful for the Minister's support today, and as she knows, tomorrow we are launching Connected by Water, which is a pioneering regional flooding strategy for South Yorkshire. It is the first of its kind and will protect thousands of businesses and homes.
I am pleased it is being held, and it is important that everyone works together. I understand the issues the hon. Gentleman is facing, and always, as he knows, my door is open.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a commitment to secure additional funding was not addressed; instead, she reiterated support in general terms without concrete commitments.
Response accuracy