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September 2024 Flood Response
07 October 2024
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses the recent severe flooding in central and southern England, highlighting the impact on local communities and the condition of flood defences.
Action Requested
The government is committed to improving flood resilience through increased funding for repairs and improvements. This includes a £1.25 billion investment this year and setting up a Flood Resilience Taskforce to enhance coordination and preparedness. The Environment Agency’s flood action week from October 14-20 aims to raise awareness.
Key Facts
- Over 1,000 properties flooded in late September due to heavy rainfall.
- Communities in Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Buckinghamshire and North West London were affected.
- Asset condition is at 92%, the lowest since 2010, with about 60,000 properties now at higher risk due to lack of investment.
- The Environment Agency allocated £36 million for urgent repairs from last winter's flood events.
- Over 22,000 properties were protected by existing flood defences this year.
- A Flood Resilience Taskforce was established to improve coordination and preparedness ahead of the winter season.
- The government is investing over £1.25 billion this year for scaling up national resilience through new and improved flood defences.
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