Sarah Champion celebrates announcement of new flood defence scheme in Rotherham
21 schemes in South Yorkshire receive the go ahead with fresh government funding this year
Delivering on the Labour Government’s Plan for Change, projects to help protect 27,000 more homes and businesses over the next year
Don Catchment Regulators in Rotherham will specifically benefit from capital maintenance totalling £1.2 million, protecting homes and businesses, boosting the local economy, and creating construction and infrastructure jobs, the Environment Agency has announced.
Following the Labour Government’s commitment to invest a record £2.65 billion over two years towards the construction of new flood schemes and the repair and maintenance of existing ones, the Environment Agency has today published a list of the communities across the nation to benefit from projects this year.
This investment is part of the Government’s Plan for Change, delivering security for working people and renewal for our country. It will boost economic growth in local communities, by protecting businesses, delivering new jobs, and supporting a stable economy in the face of the increasing risk of flooding as a result of climate change.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
“The role of government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record following 14 years of Conservative neglect.
“Through our Plan for Change, we are supporting 21 schemes in South Yorkshire, ensuring residents have the long-term protection they need, while boosting local growth and creating new jobs.”
Commenting following the announcement, Sarah Champion said:
“I have seen firsthand the damage caused by flooding, to both people’s homes and their local businesses.
“As the Environment Agency estimates that the number of homes at risk of flooding could double by 2050 due to the impact of climate change. It is horrifying to think that the devastation caused by flooding in Rotherham in the past will only become more common.
“I am grateful for the uplift in funding, hopefully this investment into infrastructure will prevent flooding like that seen in Storm Babet, from happening again.”
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