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Sustainable Drainage Systems
05 February 2026
Lead MP
Martin Wrigley
Newton Abbot
LD
Responding Minister
Emma Hardy
Tags
Taxation
Word Count: 7050
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Martin Wrigley raised concerns about sustainable drainage systems in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Calls for a statutory obligation to maintain, inspect, and hand over sustainable drainage systems when building sites are completed. Also asks for legislation that would automatically address the problem of how SuDS are managed after completion.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Flooding is a significant issue in Devon; sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are often not maintained properly, leading to issues such as trees growing through them and water filling up critical areas. In Dawlish, for example, an estate has problems with its SuDS due to poor maintenance.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Emphasised the collective self-interest in reducing pollution through SuDS and highlighted the importance of sustainable drainage for reducing pressure on the sewage system by up to 87%.
Martin Wrigley
Lab
Hull East
Discussed the separation of surface water and foul sewage in Dawlish, highlighting that South West Water is not addressing surface water off estates already separating it. Called for the implementation of schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to create SuDS approving bodies, highlighting the need for appropriate funding.
Richard Foord
Con
Honiton and Sidmouth
Identifies a national shortage of skilled professionals to maintain SuDS, agreeing with the need for more professionals at local authority level. Highlights the importance of using updated rainfall datasets for designing drainage systems, supporting the lead MP's call for schedule 3 enactment.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Outlines the severe flooding issues in Somerset, emphasizing the need for improved water management strategies. She acknowledges the work of local authorities and emergency services during flood incidents.
Government Response
Emma Hardy
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government Response
The Minister acknowledges the importance of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and expresses sympathy towards those affected by flooding. She highlights that it was the Labour party that introduced the 2010 Act which both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives supported but did not enact. The Minister considers visiting areas impacted by flooding after today’s oral questions in the Chamber.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.