Flooding update

Josh in Platt Bridge with the Flooding Minister, Emma Hardy (via LDRS)

For my constituents in Platt Bridge, Abram, and areas of Ashton, flooding over the New Year has been devastating. I am so grateful to the emergency services who were as phenomenal as always, to Electricity North West for being so responsive, and to those who chose to support those affected through the JustGiving site I set up. 

Too many times, I have heard that people have been passed from agency to agency without anyone taking responsibility. I will. I will work with each agency to ensure they do their part in protecting your homes and businesses.  

That’s why I brought the flooding minister, Emma Hardy, to visit our community and see the damage caused. I will not rest until we get what we need to protect our towns from the £2.4 billion in flood defences the government has promised across the North West. 

It is essential insurance companies fulfil their side of the bargain. If this is not happening, please send details to josh.simons.mp@parliament.uk or call 01942 824029.

You may be worried about re-insuring your home. The Government’s Flood Re scheme, which most insurers are signed up to, ensures eligible houses at severe risk of flooding are  offered flooding cover as part of their home insurance. Find out more here: Flood Re - A flood re-insurance scheme 

Flood Re also run the Build Back Better scheme, which enables you to install property flood resilience measures up to the value of £10,000 when repairing your property after a flood. Check if this is included in your policy and find out more here: BBB Archives - Flood Re

Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have further questions or require assistance, please contact my team at josh.simons.mp@parliament.uk, or Wigan Council.

• What should I do if I have problems with my insurance claim?

  Please contact josh.simons.mp@parliament.uk and I will try to assist

• What’s happening next with the houses on Lincoln Drive and the surrounding streets?

  The Section 19 report, which will identify why the flooding happened and what can be done about it, is currently underway. A section 19 report will also be undertaken for the properties affected in Platt Bridge and Abram. In the meantime, I am organising a cross-body meeting to make sure that everything that can be done now, is being done.

• What should I do about getting reinsured?

  The Government’s Flood Re insurance scheme means that you can still get insurance. If you’re having problems with this, I want to know, please send details to josh.simons.mp@parliament.uk

• What is being done to stop this from happening again?

  The Government has allocated £2.4 billion towards flood defences. I am meeting with Ministers and pushing for protection for our area. The Environment Agency, United Utilities and Wigan Council are also working to learn lessons and I will push for the right actions to be taken to prevent flooding again as far as possible.

• How can I protect my property from flooding?

  Some insurers have Build Back Better schemes included, which means you can access up to £10,000 during repairs to flood protect your home. 

  
  There is also helpful information about flood proofing online here http://www.thefloodhub.co.uk/knowledge-hub

• Where can I read about the steps to take after being flooded?

  Wigan Council have collated helpful resources here. Contacting insurers as soon as possible is a high priority, after ensuring your safety.

• What financial support can I get?

  Please contact Wigan Council, who can help with issues with income on 01942 489015.

  Forever Manchester funding has been confirmed for some affected households, and the council will contact them regarding this.

• How do I claim Council Tax relief?

  Contact Wigan Council’s Income Maximisation Team on 01942 489015 and provide details.

  The team have tried to make contact with all those affected by have been unable to contact everyone.

• How can I report problems with temporary accomodation?

  Please contact Wigan Council’s Homeless Solutions Team on 01942 487732

• How can I ensure my landlord deals with flooding problems in a rented home?

  Citizen’s Advice has useful information here