Storm Darragh: Shrewsbury MP calls for flooding evidence as Commons committee launches timely inquiry

Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley is a member of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee which has launched an inquiry into flood resilience in England.

The inquiry has been launched in the wake of Storm Darragh and before that Storm Bert and Storm Babet.

It intends to get to the root of the issue and identify how to boost flood resilience in view of climate change making the problem worse over time.

EAC members Julia Buckley MP and Cameron Thomas MP, issued a joint statement.

They said: "In our constituencies of Shrewsbury and Tewkesbury, the threat of flooding is a year-long concern.

“In recent weeks, both Storm Bert and Storm Darragh have brought flooding into the national consciousness, though our own constituents live with the prospect of flooding throughout the year, and regularly suffer its devastating impacts.

“This recurring issue threatens livelihoods, destroys belongings and leaves families in despair. As policymakers, we must do all we can to ensure flood management structures are fit for purpose, in the present and for the future.

“We would like to encourage anybody with views on this matter to contribute written evidence: particularly those in our own constituencies, whom sadly have first-hand experience of the devastation flooding causes."

A spokesperson for the committee said: “With the effects of man-made climate change making flooding events more likely, MPs are hoping to understand how authorities are tackling flooding events, what measures are needed to future proof against flooding and what support is needed by householders and businesses to boost their own resilience.”

EAC will be examining the strengths of nature-based solutions versus hard infrastructure as resilience assets, whether current metrics for monitoring flooding events before they happen are working effectively, and what the Flood Resilience Taskforce should prioritise.

Toby Perkins MP, who chairs the committee, said: “Flooding causes anger, frustration and misery for too many communities, with people asking time and again why the same places continue to be hit.

“Homes, businesses, public transport, infrastructure: all are at the mercy of flooding exacerbated by climate change.

“Our Committee is determined to get to the bottom of whether enough is being done to build our nation’s flood resilience.

“We’re committed to examining how we can boost flood defences and to uncover if flood management authorities are working effectively together.”

The committee has invited written submissions addressing any or all of the issues raised in the following terms of reference by 5pm on Monday January 13 2025:

The terms of reference include to what extent are current flood resilience assets and interventions fit-for-purpose and what are the strengths and weaknesses;

How appropriate is the current balance between 'green' nature-based solutions and 'grey' hard infrastructure resilience assets, and what adjustments, if any, are needed to improve it?

What role can natural flood management techniques, such as wetland restoration and tree planting, play in enhancing flood resilience while contributing to broader biodiversity and climate objectives

What changes to the planning system and building regulations are needed to ensure that buildings and infrastructure are resilient to flooding in the short, medium, and long-term

What long-term land use strategies and approaches to flooding should the government consider, especially for communities that cannot be protected from flooding or inundation?

 How effectively and how frequently do flood risk management authorities work together to tackle flooding issues and do they have sufficient resources and skills available to carry out their work?