Boris Johnson must now honour promises to flooding victims, says Yorkshire mayor

SHEFFIELD City Region mayor Dan Jarvis today challenges the Government to honour its commitments to the county’s flooding victims.
Boris Johnson meets rescuers after last year's Don Valley floods.Boris Johnson meets rescuers after last year's Don Valley floods.
Boris Johnson meets rescuers after last year's Don Valley floods.

Writing in The Yorkshire Post, the senior Labour politician says investing now in flood defences can support the region’s economy as it attempts to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

And, in a letter sent to Rebecca Pow, the Environment Minister with responsibility for flooding, he once again challenges Defra to set a date for the round table talks that Boris Johnson first promised when the Prime Minister visited the flood-hit Don Valley last November.

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Those floods wrecked 1,000 homes and affected 560 businesses. Many families have been unable to return home while they wait for their properties to be repaired.

Boris Johnson arrives in Fishlake to meet flooding victims. Photo: James Hardisty.Boris Johnson arrives in Fishlake to meet flooding victims. Photo: James Hardisty.
Boris Johnson arrives in Fishlake to meet flooding victims. Photo: James Hardisty.

The mayor’s intervention comes a day after a report warned that 14,000 businesses were at risk in South Yorkshire as a consequence of Covid-19, and that £4bn could be wiped from the value of its economy.

“Accelerating the delivery of this funding would provide vital protection to many homes, families and businesses, help us adapt to our changing climate and act as a crucial economic stimulus in response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” says Mr Jarvis.

“It is urgent that we do everything we can to stop devastating floods hitting again. We cannot let the people of South Yorkshire down.

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“Intelligent flood prevention work is exactly the sort of spending we should be doing in response to this crisis.

Dan Jarvis MP is mayor of Sheffield City Region.Dan Jarvis MP is mayor of Sheffield City Region.
Dan Jarvis MP is mayor of Sheffield City Region.

“We have to make sure the major public spending that is so obviously needed to help keep the economy afloat actually produces some long-term good. We can aim so much higher than just returning to the status quo.

“Now is exactly the time to put people to work on transforming our region and our economy. We have to build back better – and what better way than ensuring we never see the devastation caused by these floods again.”

However Mr Jarvis remains frustrated that it has not been possible to bring the Government, Environment Agency, local authorities and other bodies together to form a flooding strategy for the North of England, and including Calderdale which suffered catastrophic damage when Storm Ciara struck in February.

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“The Government is rightly focusing much of its energy on the Covid-19 crisis, but the Government has to follow through on their commitments,” stressed Mr Jarvis who made clear that he welcomes the decision of Chancellor Rishi Sunak to double the amount of Government investment into flood defences to £5.2bn from 2021.

“It is now seven months since the Prime Minister promised to hold a flooding summit so we can take more coordinated and effective action. The clock is ticking.”

He added: “It’s not just about the amount of money, it’s how it is spent. We need to do this in a way which reflects local priorities and concerns and helps our local economy and environment.

“Approaches like Natural Flood Management and a major tree-planting programme will not only reduce our flood risks but create jobs, improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods, reduce our carbon impact, and create new natural habitats.”

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In her most recent speech in the Commons, Ms Pow said the Government’s intention was to invest the £5.2bn capital programme on a partnership basis with local authorities.

“Our programme of investment aims to maximise the economic benefits and the number of homes protected, in terms of potential damages avoided as a result of flooding or coastal erosion,” she went on.

“Investment also takes account of local choices and priorities, and funding decisions will continue to be made based on a rigorous assessment of local needs and the value for money of proposed schemes.”

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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James Mitchinson

Editor

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