Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Flooding: Irwell Vale and Surrounding Areas

29 June 2022 · 2 other contributors · 3,707 words

Opened by Jake Berry Con Rossendale and Darwen

Responding minister: Victoria Prentis

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

Jake Berry raised concerns about flooding: irwell vale and surrounding areas in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Funding gap of 8.5 million remains for the flood defence project in Irwell Vale and surrounding areas.
  • The project has secured 11 million out of an estimated total cost of 19.5 million.
  • The Government is exploring additional funding through natural flood management measures and whole-catchment approaches.

Key requests to Government

The Government should provide £8 million in grant funding to complete the flood defence project for Irwell Vale, Chatterton and Strongstry. The scheme has already secured over £11 million and is estimated at £19.6 million total, but the remaining amount needs support from the Government's frequently flooded communities fund.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Jake Berry Con Rossendale and Darwen

Flooding in communities such as Irwell Vale, Strongstry, Chatterton and others in Rossendale and Darwen has been devastating over the past decade. The area, with a 100-year flood risk, has flooded four times since 2007 due to rising river levels and heavy rainfall. The psychological, emotional, and financial costs are immense for residents who have faced multiple floods within a decade. In February, I visited communities where family members felt trapped at home out of fear of flooding. Residents are worried about the frequency of future floods and the impact on their lives.

Other contributors (2)
  • James Daly Con Heywood and Middleton

    Paying tribute to Jake Berry for securing funding, James Daly described the catastrophic impact of flooding on Irwell Vale and inquired about how proposed schemes will benefit flood defences in Ramsbottom and Waterside. He highlighted that £30 million has been invested in Radcliffe and Redvales due to the River Irwell's threat. Stated that Ramsbottom in his constituency requires better flood defences, noting £484,000 of investment is insufficient to protect families and businesses. Requested a meeting with the Minister or her Department to discuss additional flood defence measures for Ramsbottom. Participated in the discussion on flooding, reinforcing the importance of a whole-catchment approach and working together with partners for funding and management solutions.

  • Sara Britcliffe Con Hyndburn

    My hon. Friend mentioned the Boxing day flooding, which brought communities together but also strained local police services. On that day, police from Blackburn, Bolton and Burnley assisted in tackling the problems, highlighting how these events impact entire communities. Additionally, she noted the difficulty of obtaining house insurance due to flooding risks. Joined the debate, highlighting the interconnectedness of flood risks and the need to address them holistically across constituencies.

Government Response

Victoria Prentis

Acknowledged the concerns raised about flooding in Irwell Vale and surrounding areas. Noted that the Environment Agency has secured around £11 million of the estimated £19.5 million scheme cost, leaving a funding gap of £8.5 million. Discussed ongoing efforts to source additional funding through various routes including natural flood management measures and whole-catchment approaches. Emphasised the Government's commitment to transforming local flood risk planning by 2026.

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