Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Flood Preparedness: Esher and Walton

Thursday 19 March 2026 · 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

  • Minister announced a 1.4 billion flood programme for 2026-27, including over 1 million for Esher and Walton.
  • Minister offered to consider which agency could assist the Thames Ditton flood group in obtaining insurance for their flood barrier.
  • Minister visited Stafford to speak with flood-impacted residents and expressed commitment to supporting new flood groups.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Monica Harding Lib Dem Esher and Walton
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Flooding is a significant issue due to the Thames running through the constituency, affecting local flood groups' efforts.

Question

What steps she is taking to support flood preparedness projects in the Esher and Walton constituency?

Answer from Emma Hardy

I have said this previously, but it is always worth reiterating. On Tuesday I announced the biggest ever flood programme, with £1.4 billion investment in 2026-27, over £1million of which will go to projects in Esher and Walton.

Answered
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Q2 Monica Harding Lib Dem Esher and Walton
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Thames Ditton flood group has secured funding for temporary flood barriers but is unable to obtain public liability insurance, despite efforts with Flood Re, the British Insurance Brokers' Association and the local flood authority.

Question

What does the Minister suggest to the Thames Ditton flood group to enable it to get insurance so that it can use the flood barrier?

Answer from Emma Hardy

I pay tribute to all the flood groups up and down the country and those volunteers who do so much to add to our flood resilience. If the hon. Lady would like to write to me specifically about that matter, I will have a think about which agency is the best one to help.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific suggestions or actions to obtain public liability insurance were not provided.

How: If The Hon. Lady Would Like To Write To Me Specifically About That Matter, I Will Have A Think About Which Agency Is The Best One To Help.

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Q3 Leigh Ingham Lab Stafford
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The flooding taskforce on Sandon Road in Stafford has cleared the brook and plans to install a non-return valve, but a long-term fix will require Government investment.

Question

Can she please say a little more about the new schemes, and how new flood groups such as mine can access some of the funding?

Answer from Emma Hardy

I was delighted to visit my hon. Friend's constituency to speak to some of the people who have been impacted by flooding, and to see the area for myself. She has been a formidable champion on this issue, and of course we will continue to have those conversations to ensure that we do everything we can to protect as many people as possible from the devastation of flooding.

Not addressed: Details about new schemes and how to access funding were not provided.

How: I Was Delighted To Visit My Hon. Friend'S Constituency To Speak To Some Of The People Who Have Been Impacted By Flooding, And To See The Area For Myself.

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