Flood preparedness

That this House is deeply concerned by the recent flooding across the UK and the devastating impact this has had on communities, businesses and transport routes; recognises the particular tragedy of instances where members of the public have lost their lives as a result of flooding and severe weather; notes its gratitude for the efforts of emergency services, utilities company staff and communities who have responded to flooded events with bravery and efficiently; understands that issues in current eligibility criteria for flooding support schemes mean that many in rural communities miss out on vital support; further notes with concern that the Flood Recovery Framework has not been activated following the devastating floods this winter despite over 1,000 homes experiencing flooding following flooding in September 2024; calls on the Government to reassess the eligibility criteria for flooding support schemes to ensure all flooded properties are supported; urges the Government to tailor the qualifying criteria for the Farming Recovery Fund to reflect the realities of flooding for rural communities and farmers and to raise the Environmental Land Management budget by £1 billion a year to recognise farmers’ key role in managing flood water; further calls on the Government to commit to funding for flood defences past 2026, to allow local authorities to commit to long-term flood preparedness plans; and asks the Government to ringfence funding allocations for natural flood risk management.