Written question asked by Michael John Foster (Labour) on Monday, 23 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 January 2006. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 31 January 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Flood defences

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much her Department has spent on flood defences in 2005-06; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Defra has paid £5.8 million to date in this financial year in capital grants to local authorities and Internal Drainage Boards in respect of flood defence works. Defra will pay £445.2 million to the Environment Agency as Flood Defence Grant in Aid for its flood defence work including the flood warning service. In addition to Defra grants, £3.8 million in credit approvals (Supported Capital Expenditure (Revenue)) has been given to local authorities. These credit approvals are used by the ODPM in the calculation which determines the Revenue Support Grant, paid to authorities.

Secondary information