Flooding is causing businesses to lose hundreds of thousands of pounds and be forced to make job cuts, an MP has said.

According to Steffan Aquarone, MP for North Norfolk, one business lost £140,000 as a direct result of last winter's prolonged floods.

This forced it to cut hours for its employees, affecting the income of 80 families.

Steff Aquarone, MP for North Norfolk, speaking at a recent public meeting to discuss the flooding problem in the countySteff Aquarone, MP for North Norfolk, speaking at a public meeting to discuss flooding in the county (Image: Steff Aquarone) READ MORE: Broads villagers feel 'abandoned' as flooding fears mount

Other local firms have revealed the "devastating impact" of floods in Norfolk, prompting calls for urgent action to better protect the region.

Norfolk will be the focus of a parliamentary debate tomorrow, where the government will be grilled on how it intends to prepare for flooding in the future.

The issue is becoming increasingly serious due to a changing climate.

Mr Aquarone, whose constituents in the Broads area are at particularly high risk of floods, believes there are "serious problems in the system".

READ MORE: Don't 'ditch' this little-known duty...or you risk a £1000 fine

A sign in a Potter Heigham chip shop, Nippy Chippy, last winter after it was forced to close due to floodsA sign in a Potter Heigham chip shop, Nippy Chippy, last winter after it was forced to close due to floods (Image: Contributed)

"It is not set up to allow Norfolk residents to address flooding issues at the speed that we need to," he said.

"Legislation is inadequate, processes are cumbersome and funding for maintenance is seriously lacking.

“Government, agencies and Norfolk residents must work together to protect our ecology, our landscape and our county.

"On Wednesday, November 20, I will demand that the government gives Norfolk residents the support that they so badly need and deserve to solve the issue of flooding and the devastating impact it has on local people."

An aerial view of flooding in the Norfolk Broads last winterAn aerial view of flooding in the Norfolk Broads last winter (Image: Mike Page)

The debate follows a report that found dredging work, which may alleviate flooding in Broads villages such as Hickling, Potter Heigham and Horning, would be unviable due to the huge costs.

It has left locals wondering if there are any solutions to be found.

Diana Cornell, chairman of the River Thurne Tenants Association, said: "Unless we can physically stop the sea level from rising, I don’t think there really is an answer. I lived through the 1953 floods and I think we are fighting a losing cause.”

The hour-long debate will take place on Wednesday, November 20 at 4.30pm, and can be live streamed via parliamentlive.tv.