Sarah Champion Urges Government Investment to Prevent Flooding in Rotherham

Sarah Champion MP has called on the Government to invest in long-term flood defences to respond to increased risk associated with climate change. Catcliffe, in Sarah’s constituency, has suffered several devastating floods in recent years, including during Storm Babet, in October, which caused huge damage to property and saw 250 homes evacuated.

During a Ministerial Statement on the Government’s Risk and Resilience strategy, Sarah said:

“The Environment Agency estimates that the number of homes at risk of flooding could double by 2050 due to the impact of climate change. This means the recent devastating floods in my constituency will become only more common.’

‘Minister, what is the Government doing to actually prevent this increase and build defences which will withstand the 2050 deluge, not the rain levels that we are seeing now, but those that are anticipated?”

Responding for the Government, the Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden said:

“Well, that is why we are investing over £5.2 billion for the period 2021-2027, that’s double the previous amount and has resulted in more than 60,000 properties already being better protected and there is a large pipeline of work arising from that unprecedented level of investment.”

Commenting, Sarah said:

“For many Catcliffe residents, October’s flooding was the second time that they were forced to flee their homes in just a few years. Some lost everything, yet again.’

‘Catcliffe has seen significant investment in flood defences. But these defences were designed to manage rain levels at the time, not the huge increases we are already starting to see. With the Government rowing back on its climate promises, I worry the worst predictions are increasingly likely.’

‘My constituents cannot afford for the Government to continue to take this short-term approach. We need leadership, and I will continue to call on the Government to invest to meet the threats we face now and in the future.”  

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Sarah’s question can be viewed at: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/251b6321-2eb5-4c2f-b7ee-08cb385cbfdf?in=18:01:30