The past few days have seen residents hit with devastating flooding, particularly in Bewsey and Dallam, but also in areas such as Burtonwood, Lymm and elsewhere.
The Warrington North MP says she has met with Minister for Flooding Emma Hardy, as well as the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Met Office and the Environment Agency to discuss the flooding.
“MHCLG has primary responsibility for flood recovery and emergency response costs, both of which are discretionary,” she said.
“I am lobbying Alex Norris as the minister with responsibility in this area for additional support for Warrington.
“Potential support in terms of match funding was also mentioned, which we will be exploring, particularly for those who struggle to get adequate insurance coverage as a result of previous flooding or who may struggle going forward.
“Affected constituents I have spoken to have rightly made the point that this is the second major event in a short space of time, and raised concerns about resilience for flooding and what maintenance work has been undertaken.
“The Government review of the flood formula is coming up, and I will be feeding in to ensure that maintenance work is part of the calculation, and not just remedial work which will hopefully help mitigate future risk
“The Environment Agency made the point that dredging is only a very short-term help, and walls, nature based infrastructure, property level protection and temporary barriers are more effective in preventing flooding.
“It is clear we need significant investment in our regional infrastructure as all the flood basins across the region filled and overtopped, with the River Mersey 50cm higher than its previous record.
Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols
“With extreme weather becoming more frequent as a result of climate change, better preparedness is vital to prevent future incidents.
“They are also investigating a reported failure of the local pumping station, which may have contributed to some of the flooding experienced locally.
“I am waiting to hear from the area director of the Environment Agency with further information on this, as well as seeking to arrange a meeting with residents and the agency to talk about future resilience and what can be learned from what’s happened.”
Ms Nichols says that, in terms of insurance, she has spoken with Aviva, which is supporting a number of residents with claims of flood damage.
All visits are due to be concluded by Monday, with emergency contractors in place to begin drying and restoring affected properties.
A scheme that provides insurance solutions for those routinely affected by flooding is currently under review, and the MP says she will be pushing for its scope to be widened as it only supports owner-occupiers at present and is time-limited.
“Financial support is available through the Local Support Scheme for residents who have been impacted, and I would encourage applications via warrington.gov.uk/localsupportscheme if you need help,” she added.
“For any other questions related to the flooding, please email me on charlotte.nichols.mp@parliament.uk
“Parliament returns from recess on Monday, so there will be many more opportunities to raise these matters over the coming days and weeks with the Government.”