Serious questions are being raised after revelations that over £600,000 of government funding earmarked for flood prevention in Lavendon has been left untouched.
Conservative Councillors, who have long campaigned for flood prevention measures in the rural village, have deemed it a complete failure by the Labour administration to leave this community vulnerable to flooding whilst this vital investment sits idle.
Recent scrutiny has revealed that officers in Milton Keynes City Council were unaware of the funding set aside by the Environment Agency, and without persistent pressure, these critical questions would never have been asked.
This latest development, presented in a motion by Conservative Councillor for Olney Peter Geary, urges the Council to finally take action and use the £600,000 in unspent funding for flood prevention measures for Lavendon.
The motion, amended with the support of Cllr Geary by Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Jane Carr, also confirms that the new flood prevention funding hailed by the Labour MP Chris Curtis and Labour Cabinet Member for Public Realm in multiple press releases in February was incorrect and misleading. The monies mentioned had been held by the Environment Agency for multiple years and not new money from the Labour Government.
Cllr Geary said “It's time for this Council to get its act together. We need immediate action and transparency regarding flood schemes and funding allocations, not vague reassurances and political spin. Residents deserve clarity and proactive measures to safeguard their homes and communities from flooding. “
Conservative Councillors are calling for the Labour administration to prioritise the genuine and serious need of the Lavendon community and finally start working with the ward councillors and community leaders who are ready and waiting to work together on protecting this community.
Cllr Peter Geary added, “It’s unacceptable that this money exists but remains unused, while homes and businesses remain at risk. Money sitting in a bank protects no one—flood defences protect communities. The council must stop delaying, put politics aside, and get this work done.”
