Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Flood Risk: Rural Communities

Thursday 14 March 2024 · 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

  • Government's 5.2 billion investment in flood protection includes around 45% for rural communities
  • 75 million is allocated specifically to internal drainage boards serving many rural constituencies
  • 24 million of Environment Agency investment over six years is aimed at protecting 800 properties in North Warwickshire and Bedworth

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Craig Tracey Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises due to ongoing flood risks and the need for targeted government support in rural areas.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help protect rural communities in flood-risk areas?

Answer from Steve Barclay

Around 45% of the Government's £5.2 billion investment in flood protection is targeted at rural communities, and the Minister for Water is allocating £75 million of funding specifically to internal drainage boards, which serve many rural constituencies.

Answered
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Q2 Craig Tracey Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

Recent flooding in areas like Austrey, Polesworth, and the Woodlands has caused damage to houses and businesses, prompting concerns over future flood prevention measures.

Question

Parts of North Warwickshire and Bedworth have seen significant and unprecedented flooding. Will the Secretary of State set out what other steps can be taken to prevent this from happening?

Answer from Steve Barclay

Of the Environment Agency investment over six years, £24 million is going specifically into protecting 800 properties in North Warwickshire and Bedworth. Further discussions will be held to tackle flooding locally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for preventing future flooding were not detailed beyond the current investment.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The recent return of the Northern Ireland Assembly with a new Minister for flooding highlights the need for effective financial management and lessons learned from other regions.

Question

What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Northern Ireland Assembly Minister to ensure that lessons learned here on the mainland can be used back home?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The Secretary of State visited the Northern Ireland Secretary's constituency recently to discuss a range of issues, including flooding. He is keen on learning from each other about tackling flooding effectively.

Not addressed: Details of specific discussions and strategies for flood protection in Northern Ireland were not provided.

How: Changing The Subject To General Welcoming Remarks

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