Kirklees Cabinet asked to commit “substantial” funding for flood defence work over coming years

COUNCILLORS backed a new flood risk strategy to help protect up to 27,000 homes from flooding.

Tom Ghee, Kirklees Council’s food management and drainage officer, said the authority would need to commit a “substantial” amount of money towards the project.

Exact amounts are not yet known as the report is ongoing over three years. The Environment Agency has been given £30m for capital programme work which Kirklees will soon apply for.

A report shows Kirklees would need £250,000 capital funding for an infrastructure programme.

There would also need to be revenue funding of £300,000 for drainage maintenance, £450,000 gully maintenance and £300,000 towards a flood management team.

As part of the Environment Agency grant scheme the council would need to provide or source partner funding to fund work locally.

Clr Mehboob Khan said: “It is essential flood risk work is needed to protect local communities.”

The Examiner revealed that Kirklees was seventh of the ‘at risk of flooding’ places in England, excluding London boroughs.