Defra defends its flooding record in Yorkshire ahead of summit

A briefing by Defra raised the prospect of “every area of England” having “a more strategic and comprehensive plan that drives long-term local action and investment”.

It went on: “We will consult on changes to ensure that future plans will be clearer and more ambitious – taking account of current and future risks – and will provide a framework for action and investment in local areas.

“Local plans will be central to long term investment decisions which should follow an adaptive approach - taking account of climate change and demographic changes.

“This will enable local decision makers to identify the best combination of resilience actions and the right time to act and invest.”

Officials said today’s meeting to discuss last November’s flooding in South Yorkshire was “not a one-off” and part of “Ministers’ ongoing engagement with representatives from across the region”.

They went on: “Ministers have spoken about flooding with MPs from all parts of Yorkshire on several occasions, and the Environment Agency maintains a close collaboration with local authorities in the planning and delivery of investment schemes.”

A Defra spokesman told The Yorkshire Post: “We understand the heartbreak, devastation and disruption faced by communities when flooding hits and we are committed to making the country as resilient to flooding as possible.

“Since 2015, we’ve invested more in flood defences in Yorkshire than any other region – £496m in total, better protecting more than 66,000 properties – and nationally we are doubling our investment to £5.2bn.

“We will continue to work with local leaders and communities to reduce the risks of flooding to as many people as possible, and this meeting is just one part of that.”