MP pushes Government to stop water companies getting away with lower flood defence standards

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has pushed the Government to stop water companies getting away with lower flood defence standards

Speaking in the House of Commons, Tim asked the Floods Minister, Thérèse Coffey, why the Environment Agency must maintain a 1 in 100-year standard in their flood defences, while water companies only need to stick to a 1 in 50-year standard.

The minister responded by saying: "We are talking here about the protection of the water companies' assets.

"Surface water flooding is the responsibility of local councils, the environment agency has only strategic oversight."

Tim said afterwards: "The minister's response will have alarmed all of us who have been affected by flooding over the past few years.

"Many people in the South Lakes are still living with the terrible effects of flooding after Storm Desmond, and the fact that water companies' assets are the Government's only concern is completely callous.

"We have to ensure that the water companies are held to the highest standard so that homes and businesses are not put at risk of the devastation and misery of flooding."