While we are heading into spring and the worst threat of local flooding is now hopefully behind us for another year, the issue remains as a threat to our communities. It is essential that we work all year round to address the risks and progress the measures which can reduce the flood risk in Runnymede and Weybridge.
In addition to the ongoing work to progress the River Thames Scheme, there are also three current consultations relating to flooding issues which I am responding to, and residents may wish to engage with. These are: the nearby Sanway-Byfleet Flood Alleviation Scheme, which may impact part of the constituency; a national consultation on managing flood risk and property flood resilience; and a third proposing amendments to the Flood Re insurance scheme. Details of each are below, along with information on how to submit your views.
The Sanway-Byfleet Flood Alleviation Scheme
This scheme is being developed jointly with the Environment Agency, Woking Borough Council, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Surrey County Council, Byfleet Flood Forum. While not located within Runnymede and Weybridge it is important that any flood works take into account the potential impact on other stretches of the waterways concerned. Further information including how to submit feedback to the proposals are available online here. This also includes details of two virtual public meetings to be held on Saturday 13 March (10:30-12:00) and Wednesday 17 March (19:00-20:30) to discuss the proposals.
Managing flood and coastal erosion risk and property flood resilience
This DEFRA consultation is seeking evidence on how we can strengthen our assessment of local circumstances in the government’s future flood and coastal defence investment programme, improve property flood resilience and address barriers to progress. The online survey closes on Monday 29 March and is available here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/flood-coastal-erosion-risk-management-investment-reform/local-factors-and-pfr-call-for-evidence/
Amendments to the Flood Re insurance scheme
The joint government and industry Flood Re scheme was designed to help households at high flood risk access affordable insurance. The proposed changes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme and support Flood Re’s purpose to manage transition to a risk-reflective flood insurance market by 2039. They include technical changes to the scheme and changes which seek to encourage greater uptake of property flood resilience among households at high risk of flooding across the UK. The online survey closes on Monday 26 April and is available here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/flood-insurance-preparedness-team/amendments-to-the-flood-re-scheme/
It is expected there will be further consultations and public events later in the year as work progresses on the River Thames Scheme.
