Adam Afriyie Welcomes New Winter Flooding Report

This morning Adam Afriyie MP has welcomed the publication of the DEFRA Select Committee report on the winter floods.

Adam Afriyie, MP for Windsor, said:

 

 “This review is right to praise the Government for releasing extra funds to clear-up the damage caused by this year’s floods. It is also right to warn against neglecting capital investment in proper flood protection.

“If we’re going to secure the Thames Valley, and the rest of Britain, against flooding in the long-term, we must make sure that capital funding is in place for durable flood protection schemes, like the Lower Thames Scheme.

“Prevention is key, and in the long-run these schemes will save money for taxpayers, businesses and homeowners.

“The Environment Agency and local councils in the Thames Valley, and around the country, must now hammer out funding deals for these capital schemes. I would urge the Select Committee to look at the mechanics of these partnership funding deals in the future. Some of them seem to be taking too long to sign to the detriment of local communities.

“In the short-term, measures must be taken to make sure that watercourses are running at maximum capacity and I welcome the Committee’s suggestions on ground drainage and dredging.”

Contact

§  Telephone: 020 7219 8023

§  Email: adam.afriyie.mp@parliament.uk

Notes to Editors

1.    Mr Afriyie's website: http://www.adamafriyie.org/.

2.    Copy of the DEFRA Select Committee report: http://www.publications. parliament.uk/ pa/cm201415/cmselect/cmenvfru/240/240.pdf