York Council seeks leader for Boxing Day floods inquiry

The inquiry will examine how the city coped in the wake of the floods, and also call representatives from “key organisations” to give their account of what happened.

It is hoped the inquiry, which will “last months not years”, will include looking at how defences can be strengthened in future.

Council leader Coun Chris Steward said: “Transparency is important and we believe that an independent overview taking place promptly after the event is necessary both to answer residents’ questions regarding the decisions that were taken and why and to learn lessons for the future. It’s important that the inquiry starts soon and last months, not years. We look forward to meeting the newly appointed independent chair soon.”

York Central’s Labour MP Rachel Maskell has previously called for an urgent review of the Foss Barrier defences, saying it is operating on rainfall estimates from the 1980s.

The barrier had been working at capacity, with river levels continuing to rise, when water surged into a control room on Boxing Day. The Environment Agency made the decision to lift the barrier, and as a consequence, around 600 homes were flooded, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Deputy leader Coun Keith Aspden said: “An independent review will help to determine what went well and the lessons which need to be learnt. Residents have legitimate questions over issues such as the failure of the Foss Barrier and it is right that as the local council we do everything we can to scrutinise decisions with partner organisations. This review will help us to get a clearer picture of what happened and what steps need to be taken to try to prevent flooding like this in the future.”

York Council said there would be a “wider call” for evidence from those who can assist the inquiry.

It has advertised for an “appropriately qualified” person to chair the inquiry, who will lead a team of “influential people” and examine the issues and information given to the inquiry.