Flood Control: Central Suffolk and North Ipswich
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support flood defence and preparedness works in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.
Answered by Emma Hardy
The Environment Agency (EA) serves as a Category 1 responder, offering flood warning services and managing various flood management projects. Post-2023 floods, Suffolk’s flood warning areas were refined for enhanced accuracy, with changes effective from November. The EA partners with local groups to boost community resilience and planning.
Hydraulic modelling studies by the EA, due for completion in Spring/Summer 2025, will ensure maintenance activities remain suitable for Framlingham, Wickham Market, Debenham, and Needham Market. Needham Market’s ongoing Property Flood Resilience (PFR) projects involve 24 properties, with installations set for January 2025, and 43 additional properties surveyed in October 2024 for winter 2025 installations.
Feasibility studies for flood risk interventions in Framlingham and Wickham Market will start in Spring 2025. The Alde & Ore flood risk model updates are planned for FY 27/28, pending funding. Suffolk County Council oversees a £5,000 Flood Recovery Framework grant, with 127 applications received and 39 fully paid. The EA operates Rattlesdon and Gipping reservoirs, aiding downstream communities, and continues to engage with landowners for Natural Flood Management opportunities.
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