Redbridge Council Leader calls on government to fund £2.5 million flood prevention works

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, has called on the government to fund much-needed infrastructure upgrades following the recent flash flooding in Redbridge and across East London.

Cllr Athwal has also demanded the government ensure utility and insurance companies step up to support residents and businesses who have seen their lives and livelihoods devastated by the impacts of flooding.

In his letter to the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Cllr Athwal urged the government to call on:

• The Association of British Insurers to immediately improve their response to the crisis, by instructing their members to properly support policy holders with household insurance claims
• Thames Water to undertake urgent maintenance, upgrading and repairs of water drained infrastructure in Redbridge, and enhance call centre staffing during emergency situations
• The Environment Agency to update and publish online the Redbridge surface water risk map, and to invest in a series of soakaways alongside the length of the River Roding

In addition, he also called on the government to invest £2.5 million towards urgently required flooding mitigation works, to resolve the underlying issues that contribute towards flash flooding.

Cllr Athwal said: “Recently I visited the worst affected area of Redbridge and spoke directly with residents. I’ve seen first-hand the brilliant response by our own council staff, the emergency services and residents who assisted those most in need. This response has continued with the ongoing clean-up operation.

“However, what has become clear is the need for urgent action from the government, from insurance companies and from Thames Water, to provide the support our residents and businesses affected by flash floods rightly deserve.

“As our hardworking teams work to support and help residents and businesses, we have been shocked and horrified by the lack of response from insurance companies and Thames Water. Many local people are genuinely despairing as they struggle to come to terms with the impact these floods have had on their lives. Their stress, anxiety and frustration are then exacerbated by a failure of insurance and utility companies to do their job.

“Where we are able to, we have stepped into the breach providing support which should come from elsewhere. However, the lack of resources for councils, which has seen our funding cut by 63% since 2010, is hampering our critical and urgent response.

“Adapting to the impacts of more commonly occurring extreme weather events in Redbridge will require investment in drained and water supply systems, transport networks and energy security to ensure these are not overwhelmed as they were during the recent flash flooding.

“I look forward to an urgent response from the Secretary of State and thank him in anticipation of his assistance in supporting us to put in place the measures needed to enable councils and local authorities to fully support their communities through effective and realistic funding and infrastructure solutions.”

Anyone needing advice and support following the recent flash floods can call the council on 020 8554 5000. There is also advice on what to do during and after flooding on our flooding page.