Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what discussions his Department has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the internal drainage board for West Lancashire; and if he will make a statement.

The Department holds regular discussions with DEFRA on a variety of matters including ensuring that proper protections are in place to protect against flooding. DCLG officials have spoken with DEFRA about the proposed internal drainage board in Alt Crossens. Policy responsibility for flood risk management lies with DEFRA.