Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the risk of flooding in North Yorkshire.

Flood risk in North Yorkshire is complex and the Environment Agency works collaboratively with partners, including Local Authorities, Internal Drainage Boards and Yorkshire Water, to manage the risk of flooding and better protect people and properties in the county.

The Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management six-year Capital Investment Programme from 2021 to 2027 will see over £130 million being invested into North Yorkshire (including York), resulting in over 2000 properties benefitting from increased protection. Over 70 projects will be delivered across the county, including a new major £16 million flood alleviation scheme for Tadcaster, as well as further schemes within the Selby and Ainsty constituency in Selby, Cawood and Riccall.

The City of York Council OuseWem project programme looks at long-term catchment-scale nature-based solutions to help to improve flood resilience across North Yorkshire and in York. This forms part of the Government’s £150 million flood and coastal resilience innovation programme. This innovative project will secure a sustainable reduction in flood risk and plays a key role in the delivery of the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England. A mixture of built flood defences alongside working with nature, adaptation, and increased resilience is key given North Yorkshire’s predominantly rural nature.