Sir Ashley Fox MP has written to the Leader of Somerset Council seeking details of how the authority intends to allocate £50 million of Government funding to improve flood resilience across Somerset.
In a recent letter, Ashley Fox highlights that the funding is available for a range of flood risk management measures, including pumping infrastructure and dredging, following a meeting with Floods Minister Emma Hardy MP, representatives from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Environment Agency.
The Minister confirmed that decisions on how the funding is spent rest with Somerset Council and that the Government will not direct or approve individual projects. Ashley Fox also notes that the funding must be spent within two years, making it essential that work begins as soon as possible to develop a clear programme for delivery.
In his letter, Ashley Fox has asked Somerset Council to provide details of:
- Any work already undertaken to identify priority projects.
- The proposed process and timetable for developing a spending programme.
- How stakeholders will be engaged in shaping the programme.
- Opportunities for additional partnership funding to support delivery.
Speaking after writing to Somerset Council, Ashley Fox said:
"I welcome the announcement of this £50 million investment as it presents a real opportunity to strengthen Somerset's flood resilience.
Following the extensive flooding we saw this winter, I have been pressing both the Government and the Environment Agency for additional support to better protect communities across Bridgwater and the Somerset Levels.
It is vital that communities such as Moorland and Fordgate, which have experienced repeated flooding, benefit from this investment. We must also address less well-known problems, including the recurring flooding at Combwich, where targeted interventions could make a real difference.
Securing the funding was an important first step. The next challenge is making sure every pound is spent wisely, work begins without delay, and this investment delivers lasting protection for the communities most at risk from flooding."
