Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how much money they have allocated for flood defences and further related mitigation measures in the Somerset Levels in the current financial year; and what current schemes are underway to mitigate flooding in the area.

This current financial year, £4.7 million of capital flood defence capital grant in aid (FDGiA) has been allocated for flood defences and further related mitigation measures on the Somerset Levels and Moors. This funding is being used to progress schemes such as the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier and Dunball sluice refurbishment, as well as works to flood defence reservoirs and pumping station improvements.

In addition, a further £0.5 million of capital funding has been allocated for the recondition of existing flood defence assets.

£3.5 million of revenue FDGiA has been allocated for maintenance and operation of flood defence assets. This is supplemented by £0.5 million of Internal Drainage Board precept.

On behalf of the Somerset Rivers Authority, the Environment Agency and the Somerset Consortium of Internal Drainage Boards are also delivering £4 million of capital works to increase channel conveyance on the River Sowy and King Sedgemoor Drain, and to dredge a further section of the River Parrett.