30/07/07 - Lessons Must Be Learnt From The Summer Of Floods

Lessons must be learnt from the summer of floods

Local Conservatives said today that lessons need to be learnt from the summer of floods that has hit both the north and south of the country.

While Government Ministers in Whitehall are planning an inquiry into the floods; Stewart is calling for a number of areas of concern to be taken into account:

·              Who’s in charge?: There should be clearer lines of responsibility for preventing flooding and tackling flooding emergencies. Since 2000, there have been at least 25 reports on flooding: and yet no single Government Minister, Department or Agency is in charge.

·              Building on flood plains: The Government’s building plans and regional targets will mean even more high-density development on floodplains, many of which may be uninsurable or have exorbitant premiums. Such development should not take place unless the safety of both assets and homes can be guaranteed.

·              Urban drainage and gully cleaning: “Cinderella” issues such as urban drainage must no longer be neglected. Pressures on town hall budgets in recent years have squeezed highways budgets, leading to cuts in gully cleaning and more localised flooding.

·              Emergency funding review: There must be a complete review of the “Bellwin scheme”, a central fund which gives local authorities financial assistance in the aftermath of large-scale emergencies.

·              Climate change matters: The Government should make an annual statement on climate change adaptation, which would include evaluation of flood defences.

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, North Swindon Conservative Parliamentary candidate said:

“Across the country, the emergency services and local authorities have done an immense amount of work in recent weeks to tackle the problems of flooding – from major floods to small-scale incidents. But with a changing climate, we need to learn the lessons.

Robert Buckland, South Swindon Conservative Parliamentary candidate added:

“There should be clearer lines of responsibility for preventing flooding; we should end the neglect of urban drainage, sewers and gullies; and we must review Whitehall’s plans for reckless building on flood plains.  Literally and metaphorically, this Government is at risk of creating the sink estates of the future." 

Robert also called for a re-think about the payment of bonuses to Environment Agency executives: "At this difficult time for thousands, is it sensible or appropriate for bonuses to be paid out?  I think not."