Further to my ongoing work raising issues with the Environment Agency, including on surface water flooding, on the risks to homes and vehicles when roads become impassable, and the maintenance of our drainage systems, I welcome the £1,019,545 that has been secured to maintain flood resilience projects and refurbish pumping stations in Sleaford and North Hykeham:
- £93,000 for Swaton Flood Resilience Scheme
- £141,545 for the Property Flood Resilience Project (Year 1)
- £140,000 for the refurbishment of Billinghay Pumping Station
- £60,000 for the refurbishment of North Kyme Pumping Station
- £25,000 for the refurbishment of Timberland Pumping Station
- £60,000 for the River Slea Flood Resilience Project
- £500,000 for the Lower Witham Flood Resilience Project
Flooding can be hugely disruptive to people's lives and livelihoods. The damage to homes and businesses when flooding hits cannot be overstated, as well as the damage to education when children are prevented from getting to school, or the risk to elderly or vulnerable residents who may need medical assistance.
Agriculture is affected by flooding too, such as in early 2020, when the heavy rainfall from the previous autumn and winter caused some fields in Lincolnshire to be completely waterlogged, preventing farmers from planting their crops. This is something I raised directly with the Secretary of State in the House: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=485766168763281
I also welcome plans being set out today to improve access to insurance for those affected by flooding, including a commitment to make changes to the Flood Re scheme, providing discounted insurance premiums for those who have installed property flood resilience measures such as flood doors and air brick covers.
