Following recent criticism by local businesses, residents and MP Alicia Kearns, Rutland County Council has responded to comments about their inaction. 

Rutland County Council launched a Section 19 review into flooding following Storm Babet in October 2023 and Storm Henk in January 2024. 

In a statement posted on 8th January, MP for Stamford Alicia Kearns said: "Rutland County Council's Section 19 review of flooding has been too slow." 

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue declared a major incident on 6th Janury (Photo: LFR)

When approached by Oakham Nub News to give comment, Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities, gave the following statement: 

"We know how concerned residents are about flooding and are doing all we can to reduce the risk of floods throughout Rutland. Section 19 investigations are extensive and take time to complete. When work began after the unprecedented flooding caused by storms Henk and Babet, we explained that this process would take over a year and are now due to conclude by April. Experts with the specialist knowledge needed to undertake the work have also been in high demand because so much of the country was flooded last winter – such is the impact that climate change is having on communities everywhere. 

"Work to support Rutland's Section 19 investigation has been ongoing throughout the last year and will now be helped by the recruitment of a dedicated Flood Officer for the County. We've also been working hard to inspect and clear 4,000 drains and gullies along our roads since October. A review of our Local Flood Risk Management Strategy will be completed by the Spring. 

"This most recent flood event was caused by a dangerous combination of heavy rain and melting snow, which led to a major incident being declared by emergency services covering Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Of the hundreds of properties affected across our region, five reports are from here in Rutland. Roads that were flooded in Rutland are now open again and public transport services have returned to normal. 

"We are once again appealing for government relief to help people affected by the flooding but may not receive this due to the number of properties flooded in Rutland. The Council is therefore looking to offer its own financial assistance in the form of Council Tax relief for any families who've had to leave their homes.   

"Anyone whose property has been affected by the recent flooding can report this through our website. We would like to thank residents who submitted flood reports throughout Monday, helping us to coordinate our response."