Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Flood Defences

Thursday 28 April 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government investing 5.2 billion in a six-year flood defence programme from 2021 to 2027
  • Programme aims to protect 336,000 properties through about 2,000 new projects and schemes
  • Works to address 15 of 22 recommendations from the Whaley Bridge incident are complete

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robert Largan
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP inquires about steps being taken to strengthen flood defences, referencing the significant economic impact and property protection benefits.

Question

What steps he is taking to strengthen flood defences. The Government are investing a record £5.2 billion in a six-year flood defence investment programme running from 2021 to 2127. This will be invested in about 2,000 new projects and schemes to better protect 336,000 properties. In terms of the effect on the economy, it will save about £32 billion, which is really significant.

Answer from Rebecca Pow

The Government are investing a record £5.2 billion in a six-year flood defence investment programme running from 2021 to 2127, which will be invested in about 2,000 new projects and schemes to better protect 336,000 properties, saving about £32 billion.

Answered
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Q2 Robert Largan
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP mentions the Whaley Bridge evacuation in 2019 due to a structural failure at Toddbrook reservoir and asks for updates on implementing the Balmforth report recommendations.

Question

I welcome the Government's commitment to improving flood defences. I pay tribute to the work of Councillor Chris Sizeland, who has been working with me and local residents to tackle flooding around Chinley and Whitehough. In 2019 the town of Whaley Bridge was evacuated following a structural failure in the dam wall of Toddbrook reservoir. I am pleased to report to the House that the construction on the £16 million restoration of the reservoir is due to start next month. Will the Minister update the House on progress in implementing the recommendations of the Balmforth report on that incident so that we can get the tougher oversight needed to ensure that such incidents never happen again?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

We all remember that event well, and I am pleased to hear my hon. Friend's report that the reservoir has been made safe. Works were completed in 2019 and the long-term plan is under way. Actions to address 15 of the 22 recommendations made in the independent review after the incident are complete.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The remaining seven Balmforth report recommendations not yet addressed.

How: We All Remember That Event Well

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Q3 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP introduces a flood strategy called “Connected by Water” and seeks assurance of continued collaboration from the Minister to secure investment.

Question

The Minister will recall that earlier this year we launched “Connected by Water”, an innovative flood strategy for South Yorkshire that will protect thousands of homes and businesses. I am grateful to the Minister for her support. Will she commit to working with my successor as Mayor, whoever they may be, so that together we can draw down all the investment needed to deliver the plan in full?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

We have been in regular touch about this, and this much wider approach to tackling everything connected with flooding is absolutely the right way. It is the direction that the Government are taking, including many nature-based solutions, and my door will always be open to speak to colleagues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to work with successor Mayor for investment drawdown.

How: We Have Been In Regular Touch About This, My Door Will Always Be Open

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