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Flooding: Staffordshire
07 October 2020
Lead MP
Theo Clarke
Responding Minister
Rebecca Pow
Tags
EmploymentClimateBrexitAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 9669
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Theo Clarke raised concerns about flooding: staffordshire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr Clarke calls on the Government to create an emergency three-digit flood phone number and establish a flood control centre in Stafford with statutory responsibility for flooding. He requests long-term funding and measures to prevent flooding and encourages better cooperation between farmers and landowners to mitigate residential flooding risks.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Mr Clarke is concerned about the severe flooding in Staffordshire, particularly highlighting issues such as increased surface run-off due to development and a lack of clear responsibility among agencies for flood response. He cites specific examples like the River Sow bursting its banks and Tixall Road being flooded for nearly a month without resolution. The MP also notes that constituents often call his office at midnight when water is pouring into their homes, emphasising the urgent need for support.
Aaron Bell
Con
North East Bedfordshire
Mike Joynson, a parish councillor in Halmer End, reported similar issues with developers where there was confusion about responsibility between the utility company and developers. Aaron Bell emphasized that having a single point of contact would improve clarity for residents. Mr Bell highlighted the flooding issue in Newcastle-under-Lyme, citing Sneyd Avenue as an example where six properties are at risk of being flooded every two years due to water capacity issues and blocked gullies caused by tree roots. He called for improved management and preventive measures such as CCTV drain inspections.
Shrewsbury and Atcham
Mr. Kawczynski supported the debate on behalf of his neighbouring county, Shropshire. He highlighted the River Severn's flooding issues and praised government investments of £40 million for a holistic management approach. He stressed the need to avoid ad hoc flood barriers that only shift problems downstream and expressed hope for further regional collaboration with Staffordshire MPs.
Jo Gideon
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Ms Gideon discussed the impact of last year's floods in Stoke-on-Trent, highlighting issues such as long-term damage to properties and problems with drainage. She raised specific cases like Mr Mandley's house that became uninsurable due to a broken drain issue. Ms Gideon also emphasised the importance of reengineering waterways to prevent flooding and improve urban space.
Jonathan Gullis
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Mr. Gullis highlighted flooding issues in Stoke-on-Trent North, particularly in Norton Green where the River Trent and a canal feeder flood homes when it rains. He also mentioned regular flooding on A53 Leek Road due to poor drainage into the River Trent. The MP cited specific cases of localised flooding caused by poor management of storm pipes and drain maintenance, noting that resolving these issues often takes years despite quick-fix solutions being available.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Karen Bradley acknowledged the diverse flooding issues across Staffordshire, highlighting that while her constituency of Staffordshire Moorlands is generally less affected due to its hilly terrain, it still faces local flooding problems in areas like Endon. She expressed sympathy for MPs whose constituencies are more severely impacted by flooding and called for better support from the Environment Agency for homeowners on floodplains. Bradley also supported the idea of a dedicated phone line for residents facing flooding issues. She emphasized the importance of addressing drainage maintenance to prevent floods, and praised natural flood defence measures such as those at Tittesworth reservoir and Gun hill.
Kate Griffiths
Lab
Burton
Commends the emergency response during severe flooding but calls for year-round support for flood warning schemes and regular drain maintenance. Mentions residents in Marchington and Rolleston on Dove struggling with frequent floods despite buying sandbags and barriers, urging government to assist communities in setting up effective flood prevention measures. Highlights the need for interdepartmental collaboration and provision of necessary equipment for local authorities to manage drainage effectively.
Barnsley South
Stephanie Peacock called for the Government to protect at-risk homes and businesses now, noting that flood events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. She highlighted the need for adequately funded prevention schemes and the importance of co-ordinated responses among agencies during crises. Peacock expressed concern over inadequate insurance options for residents in flood-prone areas and urged the Minister to address issues related to funding for flood defences and insurance.
Government Response
Rebecca Pow
Government Response
Acknowledged significant efforts made by government in combating flooding in Staffordshire. Noted investment of £40 million over six years to better protect 5,500 properties and a commitment for an additional £26 million from 2021 to 2027. Emphasised ongoing projects such as Phase 2 of the Burton-on-Trent scheme protecting 4,555 homes and 1,000 businesses. Highlighted the importance of natural flood defences through new environmental land management schemes post-Brexit. Mentioned challenges with funding for specific schemes like Sandyford brook due to partnership funding rules but assured ongoing negotiations. Suggested learning from successful collaborative models such as the one-stop shop in Calder valley. Discussed government's acceptance of recommendations from an independent review on surface water and drainage responsibilities, including measures to strengthen partnership working.
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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.