Nottinghamshire Conservatives have welcomed the overwhelming cross-party support for their motion on flooding, which was passed at today’s Full Council meeting.
For the first time since the new Reform administration took over in May, councillors united to back a motion – agreeing to write to HM Government’s Minister for Water and Flooding, Nottinghamshire MPs, and the East Midlands Mayor to demand fairer funding and stronger action to protect communities from repeated flood events.
The motion, brought forward by Conservative Cllr Mike Introna (Retford East), called for more resources for flood prevention schemes, a re-examination of the flawed cost-benefit formula that disadvantages less affluent areas, and greater weight to be given to local knowledge when planning defences.
Cllr Mike Introna, who proposed the motion, said:
“I am absolutely delighted with this outcome. Flooding causes misery for families in Bassetlaw, Newark, Rushcliffe and many other parts of our county. Today’s debate showed that this isn’t an isolated problem – Members from right across Nottinghamshire spoke about flooding in their own communities, which underlines just how widespread the issue is.
With unanimous support behind this motion, I hope Government will now listen and act, so our residents can see real improvements in the years ahead.”
Cllr Mike Adams (Carlton East), who seconded the motion, added:
“This is an important step forward. From Burton Joyce to Southwell to villages along the Trent, flooding affects lives, livelihoods and wellbeing. The fact that councillors from every group came together shows the scale of the problem and the shared determination to tackle it. This is about people, not politics, and I’m very proud that Nottinghamshire has spoken with one voice.”
Councillors agreed that flooding is one of the most pressing challenges facing Nottinghamshire’s communities. Many highlighted specific roads, villages and neighbourhoods that are hit time and again by heavy rainfall, with the debate underlining both the scale of the issue and the urgency of finding solutions.
The Conservatives welcomed the backing from Reform, Labour and Independent councillors, with the motion receiving unanimous support in the chamber. Members now hope that this united call will ensure the Government takes notice and delivers the changes needed to protect Nottinghamshire’s communities from future flooding.
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