£34 million flood defence investment for York
July 30, 2021
Julian has welcomed yesterday’s confirmation by the Environment Secretary of funding to support the ongoing upgrade of the city’s flood defences.
The government’s flood and coastal erosion investment plan for 2021-27 will invest £5.2 billion in flood protection nationwide, with over £860 million being spent in 2021-22 on defence schemes overseen by the Environment Agency.
The announcement confirms total flood defence investment in York of over £34 million by 2027. More than £17 million will be delivered immediately during 2021-22 to finance current defence upgrades across the city as part of the York Flood Alleviation Scheme, established to ensure the terrible flooding of December 2015 cannot be repeated. This funding allocation secures the way to better protecting over 1,700 York homes against floodwater when the projects are completed.
Julian said: “Having continuously pressed for our community to receive the necessary flood protection funding, I am glad to see this money coming through, with clarity on ongoing investment all the way to 2027.
This cash allocation will mean concrete improvements in my York Outer constituency in 2021-22, with £5.6 million for the Clifton Ings Barrier Bank, £1 million for defences in Bishopthorpe, and £200,000 for Westfield Beck.
The high waters of this January and limited flooding of early 2020 show how vital this investment is. It is good to see the government delivering on their commitments to our community, but I will remain vigilant to ensure that these budgets are delivered in full, and flood protection upgrades proceed at a good pace.”
