Catchment-based planning is widely acknowledged as the most effective and integrated way to manage flood risk, improve water quality, and deliver nature-based solutions. However, despite years of policy support, it remains inconsistently applied, poorly coordinated, and underpowered by short- term, discretionary funding. Fragmented responsibilities and the absence of statutory oversight continue to limit its reach and impact. If England is serious about long-term, preventative flood managemen...

Catchment-based planning is widely acknowledged as the most effective and integrated way to manage flood risk, improve water quality, and deliver nature-based solutions. However, despite years of policy support, it remains inconsistently applied, poorly coordinated, and underpowered by short- term, discretionary funding. Fragmented responsibilities and the absence of statutory oversight continue to limit its reach and impact. If England is serious about long-term, preventative flood management, catchment-based planning must move from pilot to principle and be embedded as the default approach across the country. (Conclusion, Paragraph 38) Type: conclusion | Number: 7 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy published by the Environment Agency sets out objectives, measures to achieve them, and responsibility for achieving objectives, including the responsibilities of all risk management authorities who m