Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement of 3 February 2025, HCWS413 on the Local Government Finance Settlement 2025-26, whether she plans to provide additional support to local authorities impacted by increases to Internal Drainage Board special levies.

Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) play a crucial role in managing water levels and flood risk. MHCLG recognises the continued increases in special levies which local authorities are having to pay over the past few years. This is why the government announced, as part of the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement, that it will provide £5 million in funding for the local authorities most impacted by Internal Drainage Board levies. This follows the £3 million grant awarded in the previous two years. Allocations for the 2025-26 IDB levy support grant will be announced in due course.

MHCLG recognises the need for a long-term solution and is working with Defra to explore potential approaches.