YORKSHIRE’S flooding envoy is being scrapped - as the total bill for flood defence improvements in York soars to £73 million.

Robert Goodwill, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby, was appointed to the role by former Prime Minister David Cameron to oversee the response to the devastating Boxing Day floods in communities such as York and Tadcaster.

It was also his job to identify what must be done to protect the area in the future.

But Cllr Andrew Waller, City of York Council’s executive member for environment, said it had been revealed at a Yorkshire Region Flood and Coastal Committee meeting yesterday that the post had been scrapped during the new Prime Minister Theresa May’s re-shuffle, in which Mr Goodwill was given a new ministerial role.

He said he hoped the envoy decision did not herald a lowering in the Government’s prioritisation of flood defences as the subject receded from the headlines, as had happened in the years after the 2000 floods.

Cllr Waller said £45 million had previously been set aside for flood defence improvements across the York area - excluding the £17 million being spent on the Foss barrier and pumping station upgrade - but the figure had now risen to £51 million up to 2020/21, with another £22 million in 2021/22.

He welcomed a decision by the committee to support a bid for funding from central government but expressed concern that York’s cash-strapped local authority might be expected to contribute £6.5 million in partnership funding over a six year period.

After his appointment in January, Mr Goodwill spoke of the devastating effects of the flooding in Yorkshire and said he was “determined” to do everything he could to help protect communities in this area from the devastation flooding can cause”.

“This is about ensuring people get the support they need as they repair their homes and rebuild their businesses.”