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Written question asked by Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 19 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 January 2026 (named day). It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Monday, 26 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Floods: Shropshire

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the accuracy of data provided by flood gauges in Shropshire.

Answer

The Environment Agency (EA) operates a national maintenance and data assurance programme for its river gauging station network. This includes routine inspection, calibration and maintenance, alongside systematic data quality checks to monitor performance and identify any issues requiring intervention.

These activities are supported by live remote monitoring, providing confidence that river level and flow data remain accurate and reliable. Together, they ensure that gauging stations can be trusted to support the EA’s flood warning services across England, including in Shropshire.

Flood warnings are not based on gauging data alone. They are informed by multiple data sources, modelling outputs and forecasts, combined with the professional judgement and experience of trained flood warning staff, providing a robust and resilient approach to protecting communities.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
106616
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Floods Standards Shropshire Warnings
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk