Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Flood Recovery Funding

Wednesday 22 November 2023 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland is responsible for flood recovery and adaptation measures.
  • Funds for flood recovery are within the power of the Northern Ireland civil service to approve and allocate.
  • A review of the current flood warning system and better defences is needed and can be undertaken by the Northern Ireland civil service under current powers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Following the announcement of £15 million in funding on November 8, 2023, concerns were raised about its adequacy.

Question

What assessment has been made regarding the adequacy of the announced £15 million for flood recovery in Northern Ireland? I also ask about future adaptation and prevention measures given that such floods are increasingly frequent rather than once-in-a-century events.

Answer from Steven Baker

We have provided a substantial package to support affected businesses and households. The Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland is responsible for such matters, and we are keen to achieve long-term change with a strategic plan for adaptation. I hope to work with a restored Northern Ireland Executive on these ends.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific concerns over the adequacy of funding were not directly addressed.

How: Working Closely With Colleagues In The Civil Service And Treasury

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Concerns about future flood occurrences and lack of protection for affected communities were raised.

Question

In Downpatrick, Newry, and Portadown, the impact of flooding on businesses and households was evident, with many unable to obtain insurance coverage. Will you ensure that funds are approved quickly after initial payments so businesses can recover? If more funding is needed, will it be provided?

Answer from Steven Baker

The rest of the money is within the power of the Northern Ireland civil service, as it is reallocated funding. However, I am unable to control Treasury decisions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Questions about quick approval and additional funding if needed were not directly answered.

How: Power Of Northern Ireland Civil Service

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Q3 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The need for a review to learn lessons from recent flooding events was highlighted.

Question

Traders are expecting to see the allocated money spent promptly. Given the absence of the Executive, will there be a review of the current flood warning system and better defences? Does the Northern Ireland civil service have the authority to establish such a review?

Answer from Steven Baker

A review is indeed needed. It is possible for the Northern Ireland civil service to undertake this work under current powers. If it transpires they cannot, I will write to the right hon. Gentleman and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Questions about immediate authority for review were not directly addressed.

How: Work Under Powers Given

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Q4 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The importance of a restored Executive to deal with matters like flood protection was emphasized.

Question

Will you agree that there should be a review post-flood events for learning lessons, including setting up a warning system and better defences? If not feasible by the civil service, will the Secretary of State establish such a review?

Answer from Steven Baker

I agree that a review is necessary. It is possible for the Northern Ireland civil service to undertake this work under current powers, but if not, I will write to confirm.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Questions about immediate authority and necessity of Secretary of State involvement were sidestepped.

How: Powers Given

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