Ministers not doing enough on flood defences

With widespread flooding across some parts of the country, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), a government advisory panel, published a report on 12 July stating that £860 million will be needed for flood protection in the UK by 2015.

The report says that ministers aren’t doing enough for flood defences, reducing available public money instead of providing the funds required.

Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Flooding Minister, slammed the cuts and said that the government's hands-off approach will not help families and businesses at risk of flooding.

Mary said: “The Tory-led Government has cut investment in flood defences by 30% despite the risk of flooding increasing.  Extreme weather conditions are likely to be more common in future. The Government has nothing to say to homeowners or businesses affected by the recent floods or worried about the availability of flood insurance.

"We need leadership from government in ensuring the flood investment is made, and to put in place an insurance framework that will ensure high-risk homes are able to access the protection they need.

"We know flooding is the biggest threat the country faces but the government is wilfully disregarding the scientific advice. In the end it will cost the country more. Every £1 spent saves £8, not to mention the human trauma avoided."