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 (EA) 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 EA 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 EA 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.

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.

Ryde Pierhead station is not subject to Schedule 17 of the Ticketing and Services Agreement and ticketing provision remains a matter for South Western Railway. Rail ticketing for Ryde Pierhead station is currently carried out by South Western Railway through their partnership with WightLink, with a range of tickets available to passengers. My officials are working closely with South Western Railway to ensure that passengers travelling from stations on the Isle of Wight have access to a range of fare types.

The Department for Transport has made no assessment of the scale and timing of any required infrastructure works on Ryde Pier, Isle of Wight

The infrastructure on the Isle of Wight is owned by Network Rail and the responsibilities for maintenance and renewal of these assets is apportioned between Network Rail and the Train Operating Company (South Western Railway, SWR) under the terms of the lease between these organisations. This lease is due for renewal in 2019.

The Department would expect Network Rail to make provision for any routine maintenance and renewal works required within their overall cost base for activities for Control Period 6 and to reflect these in the renewed lease.

The infrastructure on the Isle of Wight is owned by Network Rail and the responsibilities for maintenance and renewal of these assets is apportioned between Network Rail and the Train Operating Company (South Western Railway, SWR) under the terms of the lease between these organisations. This lease is due for renewal in 2019.

We would expect Network Rail to make provision for any routine maintenance and renewal works required within their overall cost base for activities for Control Period 6 and to reflect these in the renewed lease. Ultimately, costs falling to Network Rail are borne by the public purse.

In addition to this, South Western Railway are due to submit a costed option to the Secretary of State by the end of March 2018 in relation to the future operation of the Island Line. To the extent that this is acceptable, it may result in an adjustment to franchise payments made to Government by the franchisee. SWR are in the process of consulting with local stakeholders regarding options.