Local Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker, yesterday challenged Treasury Minister, John Healey MP, over the insufficient level of funding provided to the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to pay for flood defences for Lewes.
At Question Time in the House of Commons, Mr Baker quizzed the Minister over the fact that unanticipated problems, such as the costs associated with bird flu and the chaotic implementation of the Single Farm Payments Scheme, had directly caused a reduction of in the availability of DEFRA funding for flood prevention schemes, such as that promised for Lewes back in 2000.
The local MP also took the opportunity to remind the Minister of his meeting with him earlier this year and of the thousands of petition signatures received from Lewes Flood Action and the National Flood Forum which Mr Baker subsequently delivered to 11 Downing Street protesting against the huge national funding shortfall for flood defences.
Mr Healey acknowledged that 'year to year pressures' had had an impact on the availability of funds and that said that future funding would be considered in the context of next year's comprehensive spending review.
Commenting on the exchange Norman said:
"I am glad to have had another opportunity to challenge the Minister on the issue of flood defence funding and again draw his attention to the situation in Lewes where residents are still waiting for a flood prevention scheme that was promised to them 6 years ago. The issue of flood defences is hugely important to everyone in the local area who witnessed the terrible floods in 2000 and, of course, particularly those whose homes and businesses were directly affected.
"As things stand now we face a predicted £700m funding shortfall for flood defences nationally over 15 years which is particularly galling from a Government that claims to be tackling climate change. This is why I will continue to lobby Ministers for increased long-term financing for flood prevention schemes in the local area."
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Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
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