Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has today given the go ahead to invest over £20 million upgrading the flood defence systems that protect Canvey Island and Benfleet.

Recent surface water flooding has also highlighted a need to improve the drainage system on Canvey Island.  A multi-agency study is urgently looking at what needs to be done and we expect to proposals to come forward in summer 2015 for a decision on funding later that year.   

Ahead of this, the Government is today announcing £500,000 of new and accelerated investment to improve the resilience of the Environment Agency’s pumping stations, which are a key part of the complex drainage system.

Rebecca Harris, Conservative MP for Castle Point, has worked relentlessly to secure this vital funding. In July, she met with ministers from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Communities and Local Government to make the case for more funding to protect Castle Point from flooding.

Chancellor George Osborne said:

“Thanks to our long term economic plan, we can invest in the future infrastructure that the UK needs, including flood defences.

“Castle Point was severely impacted again by flash flooding this summer, a reminder of the threat families and businesses here and across the country face from flooding.

“That's why we are setting out a clear investment programme in the flood defences, and we are spending more than ever before. And I am delighted to commit over £20 million to boost flood defences.

“The case for this funding has been brilliantly championed by Rebecca Harris, the local Conservative MP, who has led a strong campaign. She has secured vital investment for the families and businesses she represents.”

Rebecca Harris commented:

“The flood damage we have seen in the last two summers has been devastating, and we need long term investment in our flood defences. I have been making that argument loud and clear in Westminster.

“So I’m delighted that the Chancellor has committed to this investment. It will have a real impact, bringing more security and peace of mind over the coming years.

“It also comes in addition to the announcement only last week that the Government is making individual home protection grants to my residents who were first flooded last year.”