Jeremy Hunt and Surrey leader discuss improving flood defences

MP Jeremy Hunt and Surrey leader David Hodge

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County council Leader David Hodge outlined Surrey’s bids for £27 million to improve flood defences to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt at a meeting to discuss how residents and businesses in Godalming are being better protected.

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Surrey leader David Hodge said: “It is great to work with Mr Hunt on helping Godalming residents hit by last winter’s floods. The meeting also presented a good opportunity to tell him first-hand about our bids to Whitehall for cash to protect more than 7,500 properties across Surrey, which is vital when we’re facing spiralling demand for school places leaving us with a £215 million funding gap and similar pressure on adult social care.”

Further information:

Representatives from the Environment Agency, Waverley Borough Council, Thames Water, Godalming Town Council, SSE and local businesses were also at the meeting to discuss a project to reduce the risk of the River Wey flooding. It includes work to clear trees that fell during storms and areas where sand built up.

Surrey needs to provide 13,000 extra places over the next five years but is facing a £215m funding gap. Demand for adult social care is also spiralling, with the number of people with dementia alone set to rise by around 25% by 2020.