Photograph: Maria Miller MP and Cllr Stephen Reid at the flooded area in Buckskin in February 2014. Cllr Reid chaired the implementation the new scheme
In the winter of 2013 to 2014 Buckskin and the surrounding area was badly affected by flooding. A multi-agency group has been working together with local residents to understand the cause of the flooding and develop solutions.
The flood alleviation scheme for Buckskin, an innovative engineering solution was approved in 2018 and funded from Hampshire County Council’s Flood Risk and Coastal Defence Capital Programme, Defra Flood Defence Grant in Aid, Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee Local Levy and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council investment.
The Minister of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed that the scheme became operational on 24 December with minor works to be completed by the end of January 2021 despite challenges presented by Coronavirus pandemic.
Maria’s question on Buckskin flood alleviation scheme was drawn for answer at question time in the House of Commons on Thursday 21 January 2021;
Maria Miller to ask secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs “What discussions he has had with the Environment Agency on when the Buckskin flood alleviation scheme in Basingstoke will be completed.”
Minister responsible Rebecca Pow responded, “I understand that the Buckskin flood alleviation scheme became operational on 24 December, Christmas eve, reducing flood risk to 170 homes. Final minor works are now scheduled to be completed by the end of January 2021, and the scheme has been delivered within budget despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.”
Maria also sought assurances that homes affected by floods will still be able to get property insurance, she said; “That is welcome news, because just a few years ago Buckskin was devastated by floods. My thoughts are with those who were flooded out last night in Greater Manchester, north Wales and Merseyside. No one can stop flooding completely, particularly groundwater flooding, so in addition to this very welcome flood scheme, what assurance can my hon. Friend give that homes affected by floods will still be able to get property insurance?”
Minister responded; “I thank my right hon. Friend for highlighting that issue. The joint Government and industry Flood Re scheme was designed to help householders at high flood risk to access affordable insurance. Flood Re is available from more than 85 insurance brands now; more than 300,000 properties have benefited since its launch. Before Flood Re just 9% of households who had made flood claims could get quotes from two or more insurers, but in June 2020, 96% of households with prior flood claims could receive quotes from five or more, so I hope my right hon. Friend agrees that that is a hugely improved situation.”