Flood Defences: West Worcestershire

In the House of Commons Adjournment debate on flood defences in West Worcestershire, Dame Harriett Baldwin, the MP for the area, began by thanking the new floods Minister, Emma Hardy, for her appointment and expressing her hope to work with her on these important issues. Baldwin highlighted that her constituency is prone to frequent flooding, with the River Severn and its tributaries running through the region. She detailed the various flood defence schemes that have been implemented over the years, which have helped protect communities like Upton upon Severn. However, Baldwin raised concerns about two specific schemes in Tenbury Wells and Severn Stoke that have stalled, despite funding being secured. She urged the Minister to help unblock these projects and ensure they are completed before the next major flooding event. Responding, Minister Emma Hardy acknowledged the devastating impact of flooding that communities like Baldwin's have faced, including the long-lasting trauma. Hardy stated that protecting communities from flooding is a top priority for the government, and she committed to reviewing the progress on the Tenbury Wells and Severn Stoke schemes in detail. While recognizing the complexities involved in designing and delivering these flood defence projects, Hardy expressed frustration at the delays and promised to work closely with Baldwin and the Environment Agency to find solutions. The Minister also indicated that she would be examining the funding formula for flood schemes to ensure it sufficiently values rural and agricultural areas. Other MPs, such as Mark Garnier and Jim Shannon, intervened to highlight related issues, such as the impact of flood defence works on local businesses and the importance of affordable flood insurance. The Minister acknowledged these concerns and committed to considering them as part of her review of flood policy and funding. Overall, the debate demonstrated the ongoing challenges faced by flood-prone communities and the need for the government to work closely with local representatives to deliver effective and timely flood defence solutions.