County Councillors have voted overwhelmingly to support a parliamentary Early Day Motion calling for more flood defence cash.
The Early Day Motion highlights the growing incidence of flooding in the UK and says the situation can only get worse with the onset of climate change. The Motion recognises the increased investment in flood defence by the Government, but says that a national report predicts the current level of funding will fall short of what is needed by £700 million over the next 10 years.
The County Council’s support for the motion is another boost for the push to increase flood defence cash. The Council recently played a pivotal role in getting agreement for flood defences in Lewes between Phoenix Causeway and the end of South Street. The scheme was agreed after the County Council led funding negotiations with other local authorities on the Southern Regional Flood Defence Committee.
Notes to editors
The notice of motion by Councillors Roger Thomas and Simon Radford-Kirby was agreed at the full County Council meeting this week (21 Feb). It states:
‘That the County Council resolves to support the Early Day Motion 1342 on Flood Defence Funding and that the Council urges Members of Parliament to support it.’
Early Day Motion 1342, tabled by Norman Baker MP with all party support:
‘That this House notes with concern the increased incidence of flooding in the UK, a situation which the onset of climate change can only exacerbate; acknowledges the increased investment in flood defence monies which the Government has provided; notes however that a national assessment of needs for flood defences, commissioned by the Government last year, predicts that the current level of funding will fall short of what is needed by £700 million over the next 10 years; agrees with the Association of British Insurers that ‘investment must continue to rise in real terms over a sustained period’; and calls on the Treasury to respond accordingly.’
Reference:
833
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