Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats have secured £150,000 of funding from the Environment Agency to consider plans for a further balancing lake to help to reduce the impact of flooding on residents across the city.
The funding was agreed last week at the Anglian Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, where Councillor Jane Carr, Leader of Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats directly voted for funding for the city.
The £150,000 will pay for a detailed feasibility study to assess existing lakes across Milton Keynes, measure how much water they can safely hold and identify potential locations for a new balancing lake to better manage heavy rainfall and surface water.
This investment marks a major breakthrough on an issue the Lib Dems have campaigned on for many years and is a key manifesto commitment for this year.
“This is a significant moment for Milton Keynes. For the past five years we’ve consistently campaigned for more balancing lakes and flooding solutions, and I’m pleased that this year we had a vote at the table to secure the funding we need to get this work moving," Cllr Carr said, "This is the first step towards a long-term solution to flooding and it’s a huge win for local residents.
“Flooding can have a devastating impact on families and communities. We only need to think back to the heavy downpours in 2020 which caused flooding and widespread disruption across the city," she continued, "With climate change increasing the risk of extreme weather, we can’t afford to stand still. That’s why Lib Dem councillors have pushed so hard for a further balancing lake and why securing this funding means so much.”
Balancing lakes are a proven way to reduce flood risk. This new feasibility study is a major step forward in protecting homes, communities and infrastructure as Miton Keynes continues to grow.
