Higher flood risks

23rd November, 2006

According to information obtained by the Conservatives under the Freedom of Information Act, questions have been raised about the current Government's commitment to the environment. The report states that the Government has slashed the budget for protecting five million people and property worth £200 billion from the risk of flooding.

Ministers have been warned by the Environment Agency that the £23.7 million reduction in its budget will lead to more flooding and water quality failure for both bathing and river waters. The Stern report on climate change said that London was one of the large coastal cities at a high risk due to the melting and collapse of ice sheets causing a rise of sea levels resulting in possible flooding. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has ordered cuts in the Agency's budget including £14,9 million in flood risk management and £8.5 million in environmental protection and conservation.

 

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