Isle MP meets minister in continued campaign on Humber flood defences

Isle MP Andrew Percy is continuing his campaign for local flood defence improvements and joined fellow MPs from across the Humber region in a meeting with floods Minister, Rory Stewart MP, to press for this.
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During the meeting the Humber Strategy was discussed – which plans for current and predicted flood risk in and around the Humber – as well as how best to protect local residents.

Mr Percy said: “This meeting was part of our ongoing campaign for increased investment in local flood defences and improvements in the way flood risk is managed. We have a strong, cross-party, groups of MPs and we are working closely with local authorities and the Environment Agency to secure the investment needed.

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“Following the 2013 tidal surge, a bid was submitted to the Government for funding of flood defence works across the Humber. The Chancellor allocated over £80 million in the 2014 Autumn Statement to look at the feasibility of the bid and to fund local schemes.

“This money is separate to the significant investment we’ve already seen locally for flood defence schemes across the constituency, including works at Snaith, Reedness, on the Dutch River in Goole, Burringham, South Ferriby and elsewhere. In fact, over the next six years, closer to £300 million will be spent on flood defences in our area.”

He added: “The original bid was based on the Humber Strategy and this needs updating to reflect recent flooding events. We agreed at the meeting to a comprehensive review of the strategy, taking elements of this bid which the local authorities and Environment Agency support, and looking at a longer settlement for the Humber; perhaps over the next ten to 15 years. We need to recognise that the Humber is a unique case, with critical infrastructure located here which is of national significance. I stressed that this infrastructure needs to be reflected in funding allocations and we also need more local accountability in decisions.

“Rory recognised how hard we are working on this and tasked the Environment Agency to work with us as we move forward. It was a constructive meeting and I’ll certainly keep residents updated on this very important issue.”