Today we explore the critical issue of flood preparedness in Carlisle.

This episode highlights the challenges the city faces and ongoing efforts to protect residents and properties from future flooding events, especially with the increasing risks posed by climate change. Carlisle experienced devastating floods in 2005, the worst since 1822, causing three fatalities and flooding 1,800 properties. Just ten years later, in 2015, record rainfall led to even more widespread flooding, affecting 2,200 properties.

While new flood defences were built after 2005, protecting the city from a 1 in 200 chance storm, the 2015 storm surpassed their capacity.

Progress has been made since 2015, with new or raised defences better protecting 1,650 homes. However, concerns remain about climate change increasing storm intensity and the delay of the promised Caldew flood risk management scheme (Carlisle phase 3) meant to protect over 1,700 properties.

Natural flood management techniques, like tree planting and wetland creation, are also being used to slow and store water upstream. Acknowledging community concerns, there are efforts to explore making potential emergency shelter locations available in advance.

Essential listening for anyone living in or near an area at risk of flooding.

Source: Flood Preparedness: Carlisle
Volume 765: debated on Thursday 24 April 2025

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Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.