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Written question asked by Joe Robertson (Conservative) on Friday, 4 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 (named day). It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Flood Control: Ryde

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress the Environment Agency has made on its investigation into the flooding in Ryde in October 2023.

Answer

On becoming aware of a flood in its area, a lead local flood authority (LLFA) must investigate to the extent it considers it necessary or appropriate. This duty comes under section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. When a LLFA undertakes an investigation, it must publish the results.

The Environment Agency supported Defra to produce their new national guidance for LLFAs on investigating a flood, published in April 2025. This includes guidance on:

· typical criteria for deciding whether to instigate an investigation

· engaging with communities and partner organisations

· understanding the event

· developing suitable recommendations

· timescales for publication

The Environment Agency may be asked to contribute evidence and information to support the investigation, but they are not responsible for instigating it or for its completion.

The Environment Agency is also investigating a flooding event at Ryde that occurred in October 2023, but this is not a Section 19 investigation. This report was sent to stakeholders, including the hon. member for Isle of Wight East, on Tuesday 08 July 2025.

A summary of significant flood events is published in the Environment Agency’s Flood and coastal erosion risk management annual report.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
65129
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Flood control Environment Agency Ryde
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk