Simon Danczuk speaks in Parliament about importance of funding for flood defences

Photo: Wendy Randall

Rochdale Town Centre 1.30pm Saturday 26 December 2015

Simon Danczuk MP delivered a speech in Parliament on the devastating impact that the 2015 Boxing Day floods had, outlining the importance of proper Government funding to prevent future disasters for towns like Rochdale.

Mr Danczuk said: “It is clear that real protection from flooding must be delivered. This means preventing flooding in the first place.

“I am pleased that Rochdale Council and the regional flood and coastal committee are committed to managing and reducing flood risks caused by the river. They both want to see a successful flood alleviation project delivered as soon as possible, and have worked closely with the Environment Agency to put together a plan for the borough”.

“I am somewhat dismayed that rather than offering financial support, DEFRA (Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs) has asked me to find further partnership funding. Rochdale Council has worked extensively with the Environment Agency to maximise partnership funding, and I am sure that such efforts will continue, but I believe that such an urgent scheme as the one in Rochdale should be eligible for more central Government funding.

"Flooding can have a hugely damaging effect on people’s lives, not just financially but emotionally, as people naturally have connections not just to their treasured belongings but also their homes, local shops and the wider community as a whole. Therefore it is essential that the Government puts momentum behind future flood defence schemes in order to protect us from the ravages of flooding."

Theresa Coffey, Minister for Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs, responded: “I listened carefully to what the Honourable Member for Rochdale [Simon Danczuk] said and I will follow up on the issue he raised.”