Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Flash Flooding: London

Thursday 27 January 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The flood defence programme has been doubled to 5.2 billion, with 34% allocated to surface water management.
  • Water companies are expected to fulfill their duties, and the Department supports regulators in holding them accountable.
  • Ofwat imposed a 148 million penalty on Thames Water for canceling the Counter's Creek project.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Felicity Buchan
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Flash flooding incidents occurred in London last summer, affecting Felicity Buchan's constituency. The government's response was inadequate according to residents.

Question

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.

Answer from Rebecca Pow

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.

Answered
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Q2 Felicity Buchan
Energy Environment
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Rebecca Pow

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: 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.

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Q3 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Rebecca Pow

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.

Not addressed: The specific ask for a commitment to secure additional funding was not addressed; instead, she reiterated support in general terms without concrete commitments.

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