Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Impact of Floods in North Westminster

07 September 2021 · 1 other contributor · 4,719 words

Opened by Karen Buck Lab Westminster North

Responding minister: Rebecca Pow

Agriculture & Rural AffairsEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Karen Buck raised concerns about impact of floods in north westminster in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP is concerned about floods in North Westminster affecting 500 properties due to heavy rainfall and inadequate drainage.
  • Residents reported raw sewage overflow into homes and insufficient response from Thames Water.
  • MP requests Government to review flood risk management, increase emergency response capacity, and clarify liability issues.

Key requests to Government

The MP requests that the Government work with local authorities and Thames Water to review flood risk management practices, increase capacity in emergency responses, clarify liability issues, expedite independent inquiries, and improve accountability measures for water companies like Thames Water. She also seeks assistance in ensuring compensation for affected residents.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Karen Buck Lab Westminster North

The MP is concerned about the impact of floods in her constituency caused by heavy rainfall and inadequate drainage capacity. The flooding affected approximately 500 properties, primarily in Maida Vale, causing raw sewage to overflow into homes. Thames Water's response was deemed insufficient, with residents reporting slow and unhelpful assistance from the company. A significant number of people required urgent rehousing due to health risks posed by sewage contamination. Questions remain about why a major alleviation scheme designed for 100-year events failed within half a decade.

Other contributors (1)
  • Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick

    Thanked the hon. Friend for securing the debate, highlighting that several hundred of his constituents were affected by floods. Criticised Thames Water's response as 'bloody awful' and questioned the effectiveness of proposed schemes, stating they had been cancelled or did not work previously. Thames Water has stated that the tideway tunnel would not have helped in preventing flooding during high tide. Andrew Slaughter calls for an inquiry into the cancellation of the Counters Creek flood alleviation scheme, a £300 million project.

Government Response

Rebecca Pow

I thank the hon. Member for Westminster North for securing this debate and acknowledge the impact of flooding in her constituency and across England. The Government have doubled flood funding to £5.2 billion, focusing on surface water flooding which affects around 3.2 million properties. Measures include better risk mapping, communication improvements through faster flood forecasts by the Met Office and EA, statutory drainage plans under the Environment Bill, and investment in schemes like the Thames tideway tunnel project. The minister highlights ongoing work with local authorities, water companies, and the Environment Agency to address surface water issues, including £860 million for over 1,000 flood prevention projects this year. Specific schemes mentioned include Kilburn Park Road and Upbrook Mews in Westminster. Additional funding of £3 million from Thames Water's partnership programme is expected to reduce surface water flooding risks. The minister commits to reviewing maintenance responsibilities, working on development policies in flood risk areas, and the storm overflows taskforce for sustainable drainage systems.

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