Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Flood Risk: London

20 April 2022 · 2 other contributors · 3,585 words

Opened by Felicity Buchan Con Kensington

Responding minister: Jo Churchill

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Felicity Buchan raised concerns about flood risk: london in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about repeated flooding in Kensington since 2004, with severe incidents in July 2016 and July 2021.
  • Request made for Thames Water, Ofwat, and the Environment Agency to provide short-term solutions and long-term infrastructure investments.
  • Government investing 5.2 billion in flood and coastal erosion defences in England, including 313 million for London.

Key requests to Government

I request that Thames Water, Ofwat, and the Environment Agency be held accountable for providing short-term solutions to prevent further flooding this year and long-term infrastructure investments to mitigate future risks.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Felicity Buchan Con Kensington

In July last year, my constituency of Kensington suffered devastating flooding. The impact was widespread with over 1,800 flooding calls received by the London Fire Brigade and likely thousands more affected residents who did not report. Constituents lost their homes' contents due to basement property damage. Flooding is not a new issue; it has occurred repeatedly since 2004, including devastating events in July 2016 and July 2021. The Victorian sewerage system and climate change exacerbate the risk of flash flooding during summer months.

Other contributors (2)
  • Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick

    He congratulates Felicity Buchan on securing the debate, agreeing that previous flood solutions have been partial and insufficient. He emphasises the need for a comprehensive solution to protect constituents from flooding risks, especially during summer months. Asked for details of the task and finish group, expressing a lack of trust due to previous partial solutions. Highlighted the need for comprehensive measures despite high costs, and inquired about Flood Re coverage for urban areas.

  • Karen Buck Lab Westminster North

    She expresses gratitude towards Felicity Buchan for securing the debate and highlights concerns over insurance affordability for residents in flood-prone areas. Karen Buck notes that an existing scheme does not cover many flat owners in blocks of more than six properties, stressing the need to address this issue. Reinforced the point made by Felicity Buchan about the frequency of flooding events, highlighting that what was described as a one-in-300-year event is becoming regular. Emphasised the need for Thames Water to recognise and invest in solutions.

Government Response

Jo Churchill

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Siobhain McDonagh. The Government are investing £5.2 billion in flood and coastal erosion defences in England, including £313 million specifically for London. Last July's flooding was caused by an unprecedented amount of rainfall overwhelming drainage networks. The Environment Agency provides strategic oversight while lead local flood authorities manage operational risks. Collaboration among agencies is encouraged to address surface water flooding issues. Thames Water has committed £10 million for property flood resilience measures and commissioned a review of its network performance. A National Infrastructure Commission study will report in November on effective management of surface water flooding. New duties under the Environment Act 2021 require water companies to produce comprehensive drainage plans. The Government have committed large sums of money towards addressing flooding issues, but an integrated approach involving all authorities is necessary for targeted solutions.

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