On the 14th day of the major incident in Stannington I wanted to update on the situation, the support my office have given to those who are affected, and my ongoing work with the council, Cadent, Yorkshire Water, government and others.
Everyone in the area should now have been reconnected to the gas. However, I know many people are still experiencing problems with water in their home gas system and gas appliances. If you are still in need of engineering assistance, please call Cadent on 0800 917 9598. You can also continue to visit the emergency hub, although note that the address has now changed to Rivelin Fire Station, Rivelin Valley Rd, Sheffield, S6 5FE.
I also know that residual problems with the gas have impacted upon the wellbeing of vulnerable constituents. If you are concerned about someone or a family member, please ring the council on 0114 273 4567. They can arrange for a visit and offer extra support.
Many people have rightly asked me about compensation. After conversations with Cadent, they have agreed to double their daily rate. Everyone impacted should receive a seven-day payment of £910. If you’ve been affected for more than seven days, you will continue to receive the doubled payment of £130. Businesses will also receive double the payment.
After seeing the extent of the water damage to properties, I immediately requested a meeting with the CEO of Yorkshire Water. I asked that they accept claims for additional costs incurred and any water damage, including to businesses. Claims can be made via the online form here: https://www.yorkshirewater.com/stannington. Alternatively, there is now also a dedicated telephone line, 01274 250 555 – please share this number with anyone without the internet.
Yorkshire Water have also agreed to an automatic payment of £60 towards excess energy costs. If the cost of your energy use exceeds this figure, they will accept claims for more, so please do make a claim. You can do this either through the online form or over the telephone, using the number above.
I have also met with the Association of British Insurers, who recommend that you let your own insurance company know if you’ve been affected as soon as possible, even if you are not going to make a claim. If your home has been water damaged, your insurer may offer alternative accommodation but this will depend upon the policy you hold with them.
You will know that I have been in the constituency throughout this major incident, with the exception of Wednesday, when I went to Parliament to ask for more help from government. I have been based in the emergency hub – alongside my staff and a fantastic team of volunteers – delivering leaflets, helping answer questions and assisting with welfare checks and broader door-knocking. Today, we were joined by Ed Miliband, the Shadow Secretary of State for Climate Change and Net Zero, to ensure that this issue was put to the top of my own party’s agenda.
In addition to on-the-ground support, I have been lobbying Ministers nationally for greater aid and have had rolling discussions with the council, Cadent, Yorkshire Water and others to support those in the area.
Many people will rightly want to know how this could have happened. This incident raises significant questions about infrastructure spending and resources. I have spoken to Ofgem to express my deep concerns about these issues and will be meeting Ofwat tomorrow. I will continue to press this agenda nationally when I return to Westminster next week.
Once again, I am extremely grateful to everyone in our community who has helped a neighbour, provided free teas and coffees or a warm space, and to anyone who is still impacted – I’m so sorry that you have had to go through this devastating event.
Finally, huge thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Cadent, Sheffield City Council, local councillors, British Red Cross, Yorkshire Water, Forge Valley School and all the amazing businesses offering warm spaces and free hot drinks – and to Northern Powergrid for the hot food vans.