Warning from Greens: New government is skimping on flood defences

Essential spending on flood defences is being cut back severely by the Coalition Government, according to Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party.

“The frequency of flooding has increased in the UK in recent years," she says. "We have all seen large areas of Kent flooded with damage to homes, businesses and agricultural losses. The Government is cutting flood defence spending despite warnings from the Met Office about the risk of more flooding in future years. Flood-prone areas of Kent will continue to be exposed to risk. Long-term coastal protection spending is not even being considered.

“The Environment Agency asked the last Government for £1 billion a year to fight flooding. They gave only £800 million a year. Since a quarter of homes in the UK are at risk of flooding, cutting spending to between £520 and £540 million a year is a cut too far. 

“Alternative cuts are possible to allow flood defence spending to be preserved. These could include freezing the roads programme and reducing overseas defence commitments. And a fairer taxation system is also possible.

“But with climate change adding to extreme weather events as there is more moisture in the atmosphere, and the prospect of rising sea levels, we need to take flood and coastal protection much more seriously.” 

Are you worried about flooding? Do you agree? Or do you think the money is better spent elsewhere?

Pic by Earthwatcher on Flickr