Flood Preparedness: Norfolk

Highlighting the impact of flooding in Norfolk and Suffolk, Adrian Ramsay advocated for nature-based solutions such as restoring floodplains, planting trees, creating ponds, and installing leaky dams to manage rainwater. He called for increased DEFRA funding from £25 million to address these issues at scale.

My constituency is criss-crossed by rivers, and residents suffered an inundation due to a month's rainfall in one day. He highlighted the lack of co-ordination between agencies responsible for flood prevention and underfunding by the previous Conservative Government affecting DEFRA and local planning authorities.

Cameron Thomas intervened to ask that the Government's national planning policy framework account for areas prone to flooding, advocating for undeveloped floodplains.

She highlighted the ongoing struggles with flooding in Norfolk due to its low-lying landscapes, extensive waterways, and the impacts of climate change. She pointed out systemic issues such as limited funding for agencies and fragmented approach to flood management, calling for multi-year budgets for flood prevention efforts and closer coordination between responsible bodies. Charlotte also raised concerns about farmers struggling to access flood relief funds due to confusing criteria and the significant mental health impact on residents and workers involved in flood management.

Acknowledged excellent examples provided by my hon. Friend, including the Netherlands' expertise in water management, highlighted the need for improved land upstream management such as peatland restoration, heathlands conservation, and native woodland preservation.

The Member for Mid Norfolk highlighted the increasing flooding in inland areas of Norfolk and the need for a summit to address responsibilities among organisations. He cited climate change, housing expansion, unclear riparian rights, reduced funding for internal drainage boards, lack of monitoring data, and practical issues like silted-up culverts as contributing factors. The MP called for clearer responsibilities, better funding, liability measures on house builders, and improved data monitoring.

James Wild discussed the significant flood challenges faced in North West Norfolk, emphasizing the need for better coordination and investment in improving pumping station capacity. He highlighted the importance of local knowledge and welfare support during floods and advocated for holding the line on coastal defences. He intervened with a brief comment: 'Multiple!'

Congratulated the hon. Member on securing the debate, praised the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance under Henry Cator's directorship, and emphasised the importance of strategic dredging in the Norfolk broads.

Jessica Asato highlighted that Lowestoft, her constituency, lacks adequate flood protection measures and was the only coastal town without formal tidal flood defences prior to last year. She criticised the Conservative Government for delaying a funding decision for a £100 million project that would have protected 1,500 residential properties and 800 businesses, and instead abandoned the plans. Asato emphasised the economic impact of this decision on property development and the area's potential growth, urging the Minister to review the current flooding funding formula.

She raised concerns about new homes built since 2009 being excluded from the Flood Re insurance scheme, leaving many without affordable or any insurance. She questioned whether unlocking house building would mean more construction on flood plains.

He praised the joined-up approach to flood prevention and mentioned the importance of mental health support for victims. He highlighted the previous Conservative Government's investment in flood defences, including £2.6 billion between 2015 and 2021 which protected 314,000 homes. Hudson urged the current government to address the impact on farmers and mental health consequences of flooding.

Congratulated my hon. Friend on securing this debate, cited Environment Agency data showing 2,692 properties at risk of flooding in her constituency due to the £34 million deficit in the maintenance budget.

Flooding is a significant concern in Norfolk, with local councils under-resourced and struggling to respond to increasing flood risks. The Member highlighted the funding challenges faced by King's Lynn and West Norfolk borough council and welcomed additional funding for internal drainage boards. He also praised community efforts like Welney Flood Watch but stressed that more must be done beyond volunteer initiatives. Terry Jermy emphasized the moral obligation to protect the environment from worsening flooding due to climate change, citing the severe impacts seen in Valencia recently.