Mary Long-Dhonau OBE, widely known as “Flood Mary” and a champion of property flood resilience, has today issued a passionate plea in response to news that the Chancellor is considering cuts to the flood defence budget in the upcoming spending review.
Mary said: “To my absolute horror, I’ve learned of proposed cuts to the flood defence budget. I can’t begin to describe how deeply worrying this is, not just to me, but to the thousands of people across the country who live with the daily reality of flood risk.
“Over recent winters, I’ve travelled across the UK into newly flooded communities to support flood victims with their recovery. I have spoken to more than two thousand flooded and traumatised people – some have been flooded twice in the same year.
“Imagine how you’d feel if your home had been violated by filthy, stinking floodwater, which ruined everything you’d worked so hard for, washing away your treasured memories. Then, while trying to live a ‘normal life’, you’re forced to become the project manager of a building site - your own home; a process that typically takes around nine months.
“Even once you return, every time it rains, the fear floods back. And now, you’re told the government is considering cutting the funding, which could help reduce the risk of it happening again.”
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Mary warns that the consequences of such a decision would go far beyond individual households: “Thanks to climate change, flooding is only going to get worse. Each flood means more damaged homes, broken infrastructure, ruined crops, and spiralling costs of repairs and damages. Entire communities can be left behind economically as they struggle to recover.”
“The very idea of cutting the flood defence budget is preposterous. To follow through with it would be not only reckless but heartless.”
Mary is calling on communities to take action now: “If you’ve been flooded or if you live in an area at risk, I urge you to please write to your MP today. Ask them to urgently contact the Chancellor and oppose any cuts to flood defence funding. We cannot afford to go backwards.”
For more information, visit www.floodmary.com.