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Flood Risk Management Planning Reform

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Environment Agency are reforming how flood risk management projects are planned and funded in England. The Government is considering establishing allocation ratios or ranges for projects under £3 million to balance investment between inland flood defence and coastal protection schemes, addressing concerns about unintended competition between project types.

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2026

4 events
20 Mar 2026 | Committee report linked

In response to this report the Government should publish an indicative ratio or allocation range for projects under £3 million, broken down by flood and coastal projects, to prevent unintended competition between inland and coastal schemes and ensure balanced investment. (Recommendation, Paragraph 47) 23

In response to this report the Government should publish an indicative ratio or allocation range for projects under £3 million, broken down by flood and coastal projects, to prevent unintended competition between inland and coastal schemes and ensure balanced investment. …

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2025

49 events
16 Nov 2025 | Committee report linked

As our recent report on flood resilience stated, the planning system fails to account for the cumulative and cross-boundary impacts of development on flood risk. Land use decisions are often made in isolation, without considering downstream consequences, catchment-scale dynamics, or long-term resilience. This fragmented approach undermines catchment- based and natural flood management, can lead to new development in floodplains, increases exposure for vulnerable communities, and represents a ...

As our recent report on flood resilience stated, the planning system fails to account for the cumulative and cross-boundary impacts of development on flood risk. Land use decisions are often made in isolation, without considering downstream consequences, catchment-scale dynamics, or …

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16 Nov 2025 | Committee report linked

We reiterate that the Government should ensure that flood and climate resilience are embedded into the core tools of planning, regulation, and investment appraisal. The NPPF should be strengthened to prioritise flooding avoidance and climate adaptation, mandating sustainable drainage systems and consider the need for property flood resilience measures in all new developments through building regulations. As stated in our recent report on flood resilience, the Government should initiate a cons...

We reiterate that the Government should ensure that flood and climate resilience are embedded into the core tools of planning, regulation, and investment appraisal. The NPPF should be strengthened to prioritise flooding avoidance and climate adaptation, mandating sustainable drainage systems …

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16 Nov 2025 | Committee report linked

As recommended in our Flooding Resilience report, nature-based solutions are highly effective and underutilised in protecting England’s properties from flooding. The Government should embed nature-based solutions as a core component of national flood resilience strategy by 2027 and make Sustainable Drainage Systems mandatory in all new developments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 128) Sustainable Construction

As recommended in our Flooding Resilience report, nature-based solutions are highly effective and underutilised in protecting England’s properties from flooding. The Government should embed nature-based solutions as a core component of national flood resilience strategy by 2027 and make Sustainable

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14 Oct 2025 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Flood and coastal erosion resilience and investment

UIN: HCWS956 I wish to update the House on actions we are taking to strengthen resilience to flood and coastal risks in England, including investment and reforms to the Government’s flood investment policy. Over the last year, this Government has …

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14 Oct 2025 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Flood and Coastal Erosion Resilience and Investment

UIN: HLWS955 My honourable friend, the Minister for Water and Flooding, Emma Hardy MP, has made the following Written Statement.I wish to update the House on actions we are taking to strengthen resilience to flood and coastal risks in England, …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that the current flood risk framework is underpowered and fragmented. The Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy lacks enforceability, and the National Adaptation Programme does not provide the standards, targets, or delivery mechanisms needed to embed resilience across government and infrastructure. Without national benchmarks, statutory duties, and aligned long-term funding, communities remain exposed amid rising climate risks. The system as it stands is...

We are concerned that the current flood risk framework is underpowered and fragmented. The Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy lacks enforceability, and the National Adaptation Programme does not provide the standards, targets, or delivery mechanisms needed to …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Flood resilience must be embedded in statute as a clear responsibility, not left as a discretionary ambition. The Government should bring forward proposals to amend the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to establish a duty for all relevant authorities to act in accordance with a strengthened Flood and Coastal Erosion Management Strategy, which must clearly define what ‘good’ flood resilience looks like and embed a long-term framework that transcends electoral cycles, ensuring shared respons...

Flood resilience must be embedded in statute as a clear responsibility, not left as a discretionary ambition. The Government should bring forward proposals to amend the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to establish a duty for all relevant authorities …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that there is still no agreed national standard for what constitutes a flood resilient property, system, or community. This absence undermines public understanding, weakens accountability, and makes 57 it harder to prioritise investment or measure progress. Without a clear benchmark, resilience remains a vague ambition rather than a deliverable goal. We believe England urgently needs to define what flood resilience means, and commit to delivering it. (Conclusion, Paragraph 23)

We are concerned that there is still no agreed national standard for what constitutes a flood resilient property, system, or community. This absence undermines public understanding, weakens accountability, and makes 57 it harder to prioritise investment or measure progress. Without …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Surface water flooding is the most common source of flooding in England, yet it remains poorly quantified, inconsistently planned for, and often underestimated in development decisions. It is also one of the least understood and least coordinated aspects of flood resilience nationally. This represents a major gap in national flood resilience that must be urgently addressed, though we acknowledge and welcome the Government’s commitment to improving surface water mapping and modelling. (Conclus...

Surface water flooding is the most common source of flooding in England, yet it remains poorly quantified, inconsistently planned for, and often underestimated in development decisions. It is also one of the least understood and least coordinated aspects of flood …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We welcome the flood risk strategy becoming more dynamic and responsive to emerging risks. Surface water flooding, long underestimated, is now understood to be one of the most frequent and complex sources of flood risk. It must no longer be treated as a second-tier issue. By 2027, the 58 Government should ensure that surface water flood risk is consistently quantified and fully integrated into national flood risk assessments. Defra, working with the Environment Agency and Lead Local Flood Aut...

We welcome the flood risk strategy becoming more dynamic and responsive to emerging risks. Surface water flooding, long underestimated, is now understood to be one of the most frequent and complex sources of flood risk. It must no longer be …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

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,

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Catchment-based planning must become the default approach, not a discretionary extra. By 2027, the Government should mandate catchment- scale planning and delivery through regional partnerships with defined statutory duties, long-term funding, and clear oversight. These partnerships should coordinate key actors across land, water, infrastructure and planning, and lead integrated water management that delivers multiple outcomes, including flood risk reduction, water quality improvements, and e...

Catchment-based planning must become the default approach, not a discretionary extra. By 2027, the Government should mandate catchment- scale planning and delivery through regional partnerships with defined statutory duties, long-term funding, and clear oversight. These partnerships should coordinat

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Nature-based solutions remain undervalued and underutilised in England’s approach to flood risk management. Despite growing evidence of their effectiveness in reducing flood risk, improving water quality, and delivering wider environmental and social benefits, they are still treated as peripheral rather than fundamental to national strategy. We find it deeply concerning that, in the face of escalating climate risks, nature- based solutions continue to be overlooked or deprioritised in policy ...

Nature-based solutions remain undervalued and underutilised in England’s approach to flood risk management. Despite growing evidence of their effectiveness in reducing flood risk, improving water quality, and delivering wider environmental and social benefits, they are still treated as peripheral ra

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should embed nature-based solutions as a core component of national flood and coastal erosion risk management by 2027. Defra, working with the Environment Agency, HM Treasury, and other key partners, should: • Reform flood funding appraisal and partnership funding rules, following the Government’s current consultation on reforming the approach to floods funding, to better reflect the multi-benefit value of nature-based solutions. • Set national targets for the uptake of nature-...

The Government should embed nature-based solutions as a core component of national flood and coastal erosion risk management by 2027. Defra, working with the Environment Agency, HM Treasury, and other key partners, should: • Reform flood funding appraisal and partnership …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We find that the absence of a comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible record of flood resilience assets significantly limits England’s ability to manage flood risk strategically. The lack of visibility over third-party, locally delivered, and nature-based assets fragments responsibility, undermines coordination, and hinders long-term investment decisions. Without a full understanding of where assets are, what condition they are in, and who is responsible for them, it is not possible to plan...

We find that the absence of a comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible record of flood resilience assets significantly limits England’s ability to manage flood risk strategically. The lack of visibility over third-party, locally delivered, and nature-based assets fragments responsibility, undermine

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should commission a national audit of flood resilience assets by 2026, encompassing both engineered and nature-based infrastructure. This audit should identify the type, location, ownership, condition, and maintenance responsibilities of all relevant assets, including those owned or managed by third parties. The process should be led by Defra in collaboration with the Environment Agency and other relevant bodies, and should draw on lessons from the National Framework for Water ...

The Government should commission a national audit of flood resilience assets by 2026, encompassing both engineered and nature-based infrastructure. This audit should identify the type, location, ownership, condition, and maintenance responsibilities of all relevant assets, including those owned or m

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We are deeply concerned that even after more than a decade of reform, many communities still do not know who is responsible for managing flood risk where they live. A system that leaves the public unclear about accountability is not fit for purpose. Despite the original aim of the 60 Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to clarify roles and support local leadership, responsibilities remain fragmented, coordination is inconsistent, and there is no single point of national accountability. This s...

We are deeply concerned that even after more than a decade of reform, many communities still do not know who is responsible for managing flood risk where they live. A system that leaves the public unclear about accountability is not …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Flood resilience must be planned, integrated, and accountable, not fragmented, reactive, or opaque. The Government should establish a clear national mechanism for strategic oversight and accountability in flood risk management. By the end of 2025, it should set out how it intends to deliver this, whether by strengthening the Environment Agency’s mandate, amending the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, or formally assigning oversight responsibilities to a permanent coordinating body, such as...

Flood resilience must be planned, integrated, and accountable, not fragmented, reactive, or opaque. The Government should establish a clear national mechanism for strategic oversight and accountability in flood risk management. By the end of 2025, it should set out how …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should consult on introducing a statutory duty for Fire and Rescue Services in England to respond to flooding, supported by dedicated funding for training, equipment, and operational planning. This should be undertaken by the end of 2025. This would align England with devolved administrations and strengthen national flood resilience. This should also look at making the Fire and Rescue Services a statutory consultee in planning decisions, to respond to local flooding situations....

The Government should consult on introducing a statutory duty for Fire and Rescue Services in England to respond to flooding, supported by dedicated funding for training, equipment, and operational planning. This should be undertaken by the end of 2025. This …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The evolving understanding of climate risk and growing data on economic losses make clear that resilience must become a central organising principle for public investment. Without a shift from reactive to preventive spending, and from loosely coordinated action to clearly mandated delivery, future climate shocks will continue to impose avoidable costs on communities, infrastructure, and public finances. (Conclusion, Paragraph 68)

The evolving understanding of climate risk and growing data on economic losses make clear that resilience must become a central organising principle for public investment. Without a shift from reactive to preventive spending, and from loosely coordinated action to clearly …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

By 2026, the Government should embed climate and flood resilience as a core test for all departmental spending and public investment proposals. This should be supported by clear resilience standards, measurable targets, and a requirement for every department to demonstrate how its spending aligns with these standards. (Recommendation, Paragraph 69)

By 2026, the Government should embed climate and flood resilience as a core test for all departmental spending and public investment proposals. This should be supported by clear resilience standards, measurable targets, and a requirement for every department to demonstrate …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Experts have been clear: the UK is not investing at the scale required to keep pace with climate risk. This fragmented approach is leaving communities and infrastructure exposed and storing up greater costs for the future, and in real terms costing more than prevention measures due to disruption and damage to infrastructure and property. (Conclusion, Paragraph 70)

Experts have been clear: the UK is not investing at the scale required to keep pace with climate risk. This fragmented approach is leaving communities and infrastructure exposed and storing up greater costs for the future, and in real terms …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Flood investment must match the scale of risk. The Government’s flood budget should rise to at least £1.5 billion per year by 2030, as recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission to keep pace with climate impacts, and be explicitly tied to the delivery of measurable resilience outcomes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 71)

Flood investment must match the scale of risk. The Government’s flood budget should rise to at least £1.5 billion per year by 2030, as recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission to keep pace with climate impacts, and be explicitly tied …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Flood Resilience Taskforce’s role in improving cross-government coordination, including between the Environment Agency, Cabinet Office, and Defra. Its convening power should now be strengthened to influence investment priorities as well as preparedness, ensuring lessons from past events drive decisive action for the future. (Conclusion, Paragraph 72)

We welcome the Flood Resilience Taskforce’s role in improving cross-government coordination, including between the Environment Agency, Cabinet Office, and Defra. Its convening power should now be strengthened to influence investment priorities as well as preparedness, ensuring lessons from past even

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should strengthen the Flood Resilience Taskforce’s mandate by 2026 to provide formal oversight of investment priorities and preparedness measures, ensuring that lessons from past events are systematically incorporated into national flood resilience planning across Government departments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 73) 62 Making investment fairer and more inclusive

The Government should strengthen the Flood Resilience Taskforce’s mandate by 2026 to provide formal oversight of investment priorities and preparedness measures, ensuring that lessons from past events are systematically incorporated into national flood resilience planning across Government departmen

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Government’s consultation on a new investment framework for flood and coastal resilience. The proposed shift to a simpler, more strategic approach is a positive step. However, unless the revised framework explicitly considers social vulnerability and the long-term community impacts of flooding, it risks perpetuating current shortcomings. Without such reform, funding may continue to prioritise projects based primarily on narrow financial metrics rather than broader measures of s...

We welcome the Government’s consultation on a new investment framework for flood and coastal resilience. The proposed shift to a simpler, more strategic approach is a positive step. However, unless the revised framework explicitly considers social vulnerability and the long-term …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

As the Government prepares to implement the new investment framework from April 2026, it must prioritise funding for communities most at risk from flooding. A simpler system must also be a fairer one, capable of supporting those facing the greatest hardships and repeated flood events. The framework should be designed to deliver fairer and more inclusive outcomes, by: • Incorporating social vulnerability factors such as deprivation, health inequalities, insurance exclusion, and rural isolation...

As the Government prepares to implement the new investment framework from April 2026, it must prioritise funding for communities most at risk from flooding. A simpler system must also be a fairer one, capable of supporting those facing the greatest …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The planning system in its current form is not keeping pace with the modern realities of flooding but is instead building risk into the landscape. We recognise the need for new homes, but development should not be permitted in areas known to be at high risk of flooding. Such building undermines resilience, burdens households and public services, and drives escalating costs. Prevention is far more effective and cheaper than recovery. Planning policy, and especially the National Planning Policy...

The planning system in its current form is not keeping pace with the modern realities of flooding but is instead building risk into the landscape. We recognise the need for new homes, but development should not be permitted in areas …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should initiate consultation on statutory requirements for assessing the cumulative impact of development on flood risk within local and regional plans by the end of 2025. These requirements should be introduced by 2027, ensuring land use policy and planning decisions are aligned with catchment-scale flood management strategies. Delivery should be supported through spatial planning frameworks and statutory, regularly updated Strategic Flood Risk Assessments. To address persiste...

The Government should initiate consultation on statutory requirements for assessing the cumulative impact of development on flood risk within local and regional plans by the end of 2025. These requirements should be introduced by 2027, ensuring land use policy and …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Despite repeated pledges by successive governments, Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 has still not been brought into force in England, leaving Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) optional in new developments and missing a critical opportunity to embed resilience from the outset. The Government should now commence Schedule 3 in England without further delay, making SuDS mandatory in all new developments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 90) 64 Supporting people, places and prepa...

Despite repeated pledges by successive governments, Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 has still not been brought into force in England, leaving Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) optional in new developments and missing a critical opportunity to …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

A single national flood reporting and information service is not just a communications improvement; it is a strategic necessity. Without a clear, accessible point of contact, the public remains confused, response is delayed, and resilience efforts are undermined. Establishing this service will provide clarity, coordination, and confidence during flood events, and must be treated as a core component of national flood strategy. (Conclusion, Paragraph 101)

A single national flood reporting and information service is not just a communications improvement; it is a strategic necessity. Without a clear, accessible point of contact, the public remains confused, response is delayed, and resilience efforts are undermined. Establishing this …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should establish a single, widely promoted national flood reporting and information service by March 2026. This service should build upon and expand the existing Floodline system to provide a clear point of contact for all types of flooding, offer consistent guidance, and be accessible via phone, SMS, and online. It must be co-designed with flood- 65 affected communities and delivered in partnership with local authorities, water companies, and emergency services, supported by a...

The Government should establish a single, widely promoted national flood reporting and information service by March 2026. This service should build upon and expand the existing Floodline system to provide a clear point of contact for all types of flooding, …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Local flood groups and volunteers are indispensable to England’s resilience, yet they remain undervalued, underfunded, and poorly supported. Without proper recognition and resources, this community capacity risks collapsing at the very moment it is most needed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 108)

Local flood groups and volunteers are indispensable to England’s resilience, yet they remain undervalued, underfunded, and poorly supported. Without proper recognition and resources, this community capacity risks collapsing at the very moment it is most needed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 108) Type: …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should establish a national support framework for local flood groups and volunteers by March 2026. This must provide: • Core funding to cover basic operational costs, provided through local authorities or Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, • Formal recognition in local resilience plans and flood response structures, • Standardised training, equipment, and guidance, • A national toolkit to support group formation, continuity, and coordination, and • Targeted outreach to hard...

The Government should establish a national support framework for local flood groups and volunteers by March 2026. This must provide: • Core funding to cover basic operational costs, provided through local authorities or Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, • Formal …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Local authorities lack the capacity to deliver their flood risk duties effectively. Without adequate resources and skills, local authorities cannot fulfil their statutory responsibilities or support communities facing increasing flood risk. (Conclusion, Paragraph 110)

Local authorities lack the capacity to deliver their flood risk duties effectively. Without adequate resources and skills, local authorities cannot fulfil their statutory responsibilities or support communities facing increasing flood risk. (Conclusion, Paragraph 110) Type: conclusion | Number: 33

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should complete its review of local government funding for flood risk management by the end of 2025 and commit to a long- term, needs-based settlement that enables councils to fulfil their flood duties. The Government should set out how it will address critical skills shortages in local flood resilience, including funding and workforce planning. These measures must ensure that local government is equipped to assess, plan for, and respond to flood risk in a changing climate. (Re...

The Government should complete its review of local government funding for flood risk management by the end of 2025 and commit to a long- term, needs-based settlement that enables councils to fulfil their flood duties. The Government should set out …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Flood resilience is not only about individual protection but about sustaining communities, businesses, and housing markets. Property Flood Resilience (PFR) must be mainstreamed as a core part of flood recovery, rather than treated as an optional add-on. Without reform, PFR will remain inaccessible to those who need it most, deepening inequalities and 66 leaving households and businesses vulnerable to repeated disruption. The Government must act to make resilience mainstream, affordable, and f...

Flood resilience is not only about individual protection but about sustaining communities, businesses, and housing markets. Property Flood Resilience (PFR) must be mainstreamed as a core part of flood recovery, rather than treated as an optional add-on. Without reform, PFR …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should consult on how to make Property Flood Resilience (PFR) a routine part of flood recovery. This consultation should explore options for reforming the existing grant scheme to provide consistent, needs-based funding and wider accessibility, including simplifying the process, updating grant levels, and extending eligibility to renters and social housing tenants. Any changes should be implemented following consultation and evaluation. Local delivery models, such as block gran...

The Government should consult on how to make Property Flood Resilience (PFR) a routine part of flood recovery. This consultation should explore options for reforming the existing grant scheme to provide consistent, needs-based funding and wider accessibility, including simplifying the …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Flood insurance is not just a financial product but a cornerstone of household and market stability. Without reform, growing risk and the eventual withdrawal of Flood Re will leave vulnerable households uninsured, businesses exposed, and communities at risk of economic decline. Uninsurable or repeatedly flooded properties risk becoming unmortgageable, depressing local housing markets and trapping families in unsellable homes. The Government must act now to secure a fair, resilient insurance s...

Flood insurance is not just a financial product but a cornerstone of household and market stability. Without reform, growing risk and the eventual withdrawal of Flood Re will leave vulnerable households uninsured, businesses exposed, and communities at risk of economic …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should begin work with the insurance and mortgage sectors to ensure the continued availability and affordability of flood insurance beyond 2039, when the current Flood Re scheme is due to end. This should include options for a successor scheme (“Flood Re 2.0”) that recognises resilience measures, supports low-income households, and enables a fair transition to a more risk-reflective market. (Recommendation, Paragraph 128)

The Government should begin work with the insurance and mortgage sectors to ensure the continued availability and affordability of flood insurance beyond 2039, when the current Flood Re scheme is due to end. This should include options for a successor …

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13 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

By the end of 2025, the Government should consult with insurers and stakeholders on strengthening the role of insurance in flood resilience. This should include promoting and simplifying access to the Build Back Better scheme. The Government should support the development and piloting of Flood Performance Certificates (FPCs) as a voluntary tool to improve awareness of property flood risk and resilience. FPCs should be introduced initially on a voluntary basis, with Government support. FPCs sh...

By the end of 2025, the Government should consult with insurers and stakeholders on strengthening the role of insurance in flood resilience. This should include promoting and simplifying access to the Build Back Better scheme. The Government should support the …

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5 Feb 2025 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Flood Investment Announcement

UIN: HCWS417 Communities, homes, businesses and farmland are increasingly impacted by more frequent and severe floods. This winter alone the UK has experienced five storms in fewer than five months. As the changing climate continues to lead to more extreme …

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5 Feb 2025 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Flood Investment Announcement

UIN: HLWS413 My Right Honourable Friend, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed MP, has made the following Written Statement.Communities, homes, businesses and farmland are increasingly impacted by more frequent and severe floods. T...

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2024

23 events
13 Nov 2024 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Flood Resilience

UIN: HCWS214 The Government extends its deepest sympathies to the citizens of Valencia and more widely across Spain, where recent floods have had devastating impacts on communities including the tragic loss of more than 200 lives. These events are a …

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13 Nov 2024 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Flood Resilience

UIN: HLWS212 My honourable friend, the Minister for Water and Flooding, Emma Hardy MP, has made the following Written Statement.The Government extends its deepest sympathies to the citizens of Valencia and more widely across Spain, where recent floods have had …

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19 Apr 2024 | Committee report linked

During Storm Babet in 2022–23, there were 5.7 million properties in England at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water or groundwater. Over 150 rivers had record water levels and 2,200 homes were flooded. The storm hit local areas that were less used 40 Q 46 41 C&AG’s Report, paras 5 and 13 42 Dr Laiz Souto (GEX0002); St John Ambulance (GEX0004); Dr Tom Wood, Dr Saba Sadati, Dr Giuliano Punzo, Dr Martin Mayfield and Dr Hadi Arbabi (GEX0006); National Flood Forum (GEX0010); Newcas...

During Storm Babet in 2022–23, there were 5.7 million properties in England at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water or groundwater. Over 150 rivers had record water levels and 2,200 homes were flooded. The storm hit local …

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19 Apr 2024 | Written evidence linked

People experience different levels of exposure to extreme weather. Factors such as location, income and health affect people’s ability to cope with and respond to these events. For example, lower income households may be more likely to live in properties at flood risk, which are less expensive to buy or rent, and be less likely to be able to afford the cost of replacing possessions lost to flooding. Our written evidence also highlighted the need to improve the understanding of what kind of vu...

People experience different levels of exposure to extreme weather. Factors such as location, income and health affect people’s ability to cope with and respond to these events. For example, lower income households may be more likely to live in properties …

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19 Apr 2024 | Consultation (closed) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Consultation on draft Statutory Instrument: The English Drainage Boards (Alternative Valuation Calculation) Regulations 2024 — consultation closed

Internal drainage boards (IDBs), which are locally funded and operated statutory public bodies, are responsible in their area of operation, for water level management and managing flood risk. There are 112 independent IDBs in England and they are mainly funded …

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7 Mar 2024 | Consultation (closed) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Consultation on draft Statutory Instrument: The English Drainage Boards (Alternative Valuation Calculation) Regulations 2024 — consultation opened

Internal drainage boards (IDBs), which are locally funded and operated statutory public bodies, are responsible in their area of operation, for water level management and managing flood risk. There are 112 independent IDBs in England and they are mainly funded …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

The Environment Agency is forecasting that it will provide protection for at least 40% fewer properties than planned. When the programme was launched in 2020, the government committed to provide better protection for 336,000 properties by 2027 by investing £5.2 billion in new flood defence projects. The programme got off to a slow start and the Agency has now reduced its forecast for the number of properties that will be better protected by the end of the programme to 200,000. While inflation...

The Environment Agency is forecasting that it will provide protection for at least 40% fewer properties than planned. When the programme was launched in 2020, the government committed to provide better protection for 336,000 properties by 2027 by investing £5.2 …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

The risks from surface water flooding are increasing, but Defra is not providing the necessary leadership and support for local authorities on how this will be addressed. Surface water flooding is a growing issue with 3.4 million properties at risk in England. In July 2021, parts of London received a month’s rainfall within a couple of hours and more than 1,500 properties were flooded as a result. An increase in non-permeable surfaces (such as paved driveways) adds to the problem and action t...

The risks from surface water flooding are increasing, but Defra is not providing the necessary leadership and support for local authorities on how this will be addressed. Surface water flooding is a growing issue with 3.4 million properties at risk …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

Defra does not have sufficient understanding of the impact of its capital investment decisions on geographical distribution and we are concerned that smaller communities are losing out. In response to a prior Committee recommendation, Defra undertook by July 2021 to identify areas which are likely to lack enough local authority resources and private sector contributions to manage flood risk, but Defra still has not done so. Defra is insistent that the level of investment in an area is determi...

Defra does not have sufficient understanding of the impact of its capital investment decisions on geographical distribution and we are concerned that smaller communities are losing out. In response to a prior Committee recommendation, Defra undertook by July 2021 to …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that Flood Re is not providing the protection that was envisaged and that 2039 will likely be too soon to close down the Flood Re scheme given the increasing risk from flooding and slower progress on protecting properties. The Committee has concerns over the number of high-risk households Flood Re protects. It is unclear what number of the 265,000 policies ceded to Flood Re in 2023 were from the top 2% of at risk properties nationally. Flood Re was introduced to allow enough ...

We are concerned that Flood Re is not providing the protection that was envisaged and that 2039 will likely be too soon to close down the Flood Re scheme given the increasing risk from flooding and slower progress on protecting …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that new housing continues to be built in areas of high flood risk without adequate mitigations. Although the Agency is a statutory consultee for planning applications, it does not have powers in the planning process to prevent any development on flood plains without mitigation. The Agency told us that 99% of new homes’ planning applications complied with the Agency advice. The problem is that the Agency only examines a proportion of planning applications to build in a flood ...

We are concerned that new housing continues to be built in areas of high flood risk without adequate mitigations. Although the Agency is a statutory consultee for planning applications, it does not have powers in the planning process to prevent …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency (the Agency) about their long-term ambition and objectives for flood risk, their understanding and management of flood risk, and their progress on building and maintaining flood defence assets.1

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency (the Agency) about their long-term ambition and objectives for flood risk, …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

The Agency told us it comments on about 110,000 land use planning applications each year, and most of these comments are about flood risk. The Agency told us that 99% of new homes’ planning applications complied with the Agency advice. However, it also told us that in recent years a number of planning applications—some quite large ones— have gone against its advice.22

The Agency told us it comments on about 110,000 land use planning applications each year, and most of these comments are about flood risk. The Agency told us that 99% of new homes’ planning applications complied with the Agency advice. …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

In July 2021, Defra published a review of policy for development in areas at flood risk. This research found that over half of Local Planning Authorities said they rarely or never inspected a new development to check compliance with flood risk planning conditions. They described a lack of resource as the main barrier to inspections.23 Surface water flooding

In July 2021, Defra published a review of policy for development in areas at flood risk. This research found that over half of Local Planning Authorities said they rarely or never inspected a new development to check compliance with flood …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

The risks from surface water flooding are increasing and will continue to increase due to climate change.24 3.4 million properties are at risk of surface water flooding in England.25 The increase in impermeable surfaces—such as driveways—is adding to the 15 Q 52 16 Q 53 17 Q 2; C&AG’s Report, paras 21, 24 18 Qq 52–53 19 Committee of Public Accounts: Managing food risk. 45th report of Session 2019–21, HC 931, February 2021 Para 29 20 Q 12 21 Q 59 22 Qq 11–12 23 Department for Environment, Food...

The risks from surface water flooding are increasing and will continue to increase due to climate change.24 3.4 million properties are at risk of surface water flooding in England.25 The increase in impermeable surfaces—such as driveways—is adding to the 15 …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

The Agency told us it needed better surface water modelling and mapping and described how its new national flood risk assessment model (NaFRA2), which it expects to be completed by the end of 2024, will help. It expects NaFRA2 will improve its understanding of surface water flood risk as well as more detail for other types of flooding, for example by giving a prediction of the depth of flooding. NaFRA2 uses a different methodology from the previous assessment model, building up an assessment ...

The Agency told us it needed better surface water modelling and mapping and described how its new national flood risk assessment model (NaFRA2), which it expects to be completed by the end of 2024, will help. It expects NaFRA2 will …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

Some 40% of projects need to find partnership funding to be able to go ahead.47 Partnership funding is an important source of funding, where risk management authorities (such as local authorities) raise funds from the public and private sectors towards a flood defence project. To support this capital programme, Defra has brought in £130 million of partnership funding from the private sector so far. The Agency estimates it needs £2.3 billion partnership funding in total, for the six years 2021...

Some 40% of projects need to find partnership funding to be able to go ahead.47 Partnership funding is an important source of funding, where risk management authorities (such as local authorities) raise funds from the public and private sectors towards …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

Flood Re, a joint initiative between the insurance industry and the government, was established to ensure affordable flood risk insurance is available to householders. It was established by the Water Act 2014, launched in 2016, and due to be in place until 2039. In 2022, Government implemented some changes to Flood Re to support improved flood resilience among householders.54

Flood Re, a joint initiative between the insurance industry and the government, was established to ensure affordable flood risk insurance is available to householders. It was established by the Water Act 2014, launched in 2016, and due to be in …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

Defra told us that Flood Re is working well: in 2022–23, Flood Re provided cover for 265,000 household property policies and more than 500,000 households have benefitted since it launched. Before Flood Re was introduced, 9% of policyholders with a prior flood claim could get quotes from two or more insurers and none could get quotes from five or more. Most policyholders can now get over 10 quotes.55 The Committee has concerns over the number of high-risk households Flood Re protects. It is un...

Defra told us that Flood Re is working well: in 2022–23, Flood Re provided cover for 265,000 household property policies and more than 500,000 households have benefitted since it launched. Before Flood Re was introduced, 9% of policyholders with a …

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17 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

Flood Re’s existence is due to end in 2039, by which time it was expected that insurance would be affordable to householders given the anticipated reduction in flood risk as a result of improvements to flood resilience. Defra told us it would keep under review what is the right insurance mechanism to have in place, bearing in mind progress with building flood defences and with creating greater resilience.

Flood Re’s existence is due to end in 2039, by which time it was expected that insurance would be affordable to householders given the anticipated reduction in flood risk as a result of improvements to flood resilience. Defra told us …

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2023

4 events

2022

5 events
13 Jan 2022 | Committee report linked

We further recommend that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities update its planning practice guidance on sustainable drainage to ensure that sustainable drainage schemes are considered in all developments, including improvements under permitted development rights, and that it takes steps to address existing loopholes concerning the cost and practicality of such schemes.

We further recommend that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities update its planning practice guidance on sustainable drainage to ensure that sustainable drainage schemes are considered in all developments, including improvements under permitted development rights, and that it …

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2021

63 events
10 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

The Government should clarify how it intends to define flood risk in the planning system. This includes clarifying how this will take account of the possible impact of climate change and how it fits within wider flooding policy.

The Government should clarify how it intends to define flood risk in the planning system. This includes clarifying how this will take account of the possible impact of climate change and how it fits within wider flooding policy. Type: recommendation …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

Scarce local authority resources and low levels of private sector investment are barriers to the effective management of flood risks, especially given the impact of Covid-19. Lead local flood authorities (unitary authorities or county councils) are responsible for managing local flood risks. Their funding for this is not ring- fenced and there are concerns over the level of revenue funding available to local authorities. The Department understands that, taken as a whole, local authorities spe...

Scarce local authority resources and low levels of private sector investment are barriers to the effective management of flood risks, especially given the impact of Covid-19. Lead local flood authorities (unitary authorities or county councils) are responsible for managing local …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

In 2014 the NAO report on strategic flood management found there was a profusion of plans that often duplicate across geographical or administrative areas. Defra and the Agency have not followed the NAO recommendation to review their strategies and plans with a view to rationalise them to reduce the burden on communities and to promote public engagement. 6 Managing food risk Recommendation: Defra should write to the Committee within 6 months with an update on the opportunities to streamline l...

In 2014 the NAO report on strategic flood management found there was a profusion of plans that often duplicate across geographical or administrative areas. Defra and the Agency have not followed the NAO recommendation to review their strategies and plans …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

Short-term funding cycles are impacting on the Agency’s ability to manage flood risks effectively. The Agency has a six-year capital funding settlement for investment in flood defences (2021–22 to 2026–27), but only a one-year settlement for revenue funding (2021–22). Revenue funding pays for people and running costs including the on-going maintenance of flood defences. Maintenance costs are increasing due to more extreme weather as a result of climate change, more flood defences being built ...

Short-term funding cycles are impacting on the Agency’s ability to manage flood risks effectively. The Agency has a six-year capital funding settlement for investment in flood defences (2021–22 to 2026–27), but only a one-year settlement for revenue funding (2021–22). Revenue …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The current indicators used to monitor national flood risk do not cover important elements such as risks to agricultural land, business premises, and infrastructure. The Agency uses the number of homes ‘better protected’ as the main performance indicator for its capital investment programme. It also uses its National Flood Risk Assessment model to estimate the number of properties at risk of flooding each year, although changes in methodology make comparisons over different years uncertain. T...

The current indicators used to monitor national flood risk do not cover important elements such as risks to agricultural land, business premises, and infrastructure. The Agency uses the number of homes ‘better protected’ as the main performance indicator for its …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Department has not ensured that all regions, deprived areas in particular, get a fair share of the available funding. The Agency uses the level of risk in an area and the readiness of projects to go ahead to decide where to invest in flood defences. The Agency’s own research in 2020 shows that deprived areas are more at risk from flooding, yet the proportion of all homes ‘better protected’ that were in the 20% most deprived areas declined from 29% in 2014 to just 8% in 2019. The Managing ...

The Department has not ensured that all regions, deprived areas in particular, get a fair share of the available funding. The Agency uses the level of risk in an area and the readiness of projects to go ahead to decide …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We are not convinced that the Department has yet done enough to address the difficulties those recently flooded have in getting affordable insurance. Some people who have recently been flooded still face difficulties in obtaining affordable insurance. The Department states that the existence of Flood Re should ensure that affordable insurance is available even for those households at high levels of flood risk. However, the Department’s own research, following the floods in Doncaster in Novemb...

We are not convinced that the Department has yet done enough to address the difficulties those recently flooded have in getting affordable insurance. Some people who have recently been flooded still face difficulties in obtaining affordable insurance. The Department states …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

Despite the known risks, there are still plans to build houses on flood plains. While government policy is not to build on flood plains unless unavoidable, the Agency’s analysis indicates that there could be a large increase – of up to 50 per cent - in the number of houses built on flood plains over the next 50 years. The Agency is working with MHCLG on reforms to the planning system and is also a statutory consultee on planning applications; it says that in 99% of cases its advice is accepte...

Despite the known risks, there are still plans to build houses on flood plains. While government policy is not to build on flood plains unless unavoidable, the Agency’s analysis indicates that there could be a large increase – of up …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

On the basis of a Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (the Department) and the Environment Agency (the Agency) on managing flood risks.1

On the basis of a Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (the Department) and the Environment Agency (the Agency) on managing flood risks.1 Type: conclusion | Number: …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

Lead local flood authorities (unitary authorities or county councils) manage the risk of surface and ground water flooding, and flooding from ordinary water courses which are not main rivers. The funding local authorities receive for flood risk management is not ring-fenced. The National Audit Office reported concerns about the uncertainty and level of government’s revenue funding for lead local flood authorities.9

Lead local flood authorities (unitary authorities or county councils) manage the risk of surface and ground water flooding, and flooding from ordinary water courses which are not main rivers. The funding local authorities receive for flood risk management is not …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The amount of funding local authorities receive for flood risk management is determined by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) local government funding formula. The Department told us that, taken as a whole, local authorities are spending more on flood risk management than they are allocated through the funding formula. However, it recognised that there is wide variation in funding across individual local authorities and accepted that it needs a much better und...

The amount of funding local authorities receive for flood risk management is determined by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) local government funding formula. The Department told us that, taken as a whole, local authorities are spending …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Government introduced partnership funding in 2011, requiring many flood schemes to be part-funded from sources other than government grant-in-aid. The cost of individual schemes is shared between national and local sources of funding, to allow more schemes to go ahead. The Agency told us that partnership funding had been successful in attracting additional local funding. The Agency estimates that the partnership funding model attracted £530 million of investment during the period April 20...

The Government introduced partnership funding in 2011, requiring many flood schemes to be part-funded from sources other than government grant-in-aid. The cost of individual schemes is shared between national and local sources of funding, to allow more schemes to go …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The EA Strategy highlights the role of Community Interest Companies (CIC) including the East Wash CIC in partnership funding. Following questioning in the hearing, Defra confirmed that parish councils precept income can be used to fund flood and coastal erosion risk management activities.12

The EA Strategy highlights the role of Community Interest Companies (CIC) including the East Wash CIC in partnership funding. Following questioning in the hearing, Defra confirmed that parish councils precept income can be used to fund flood and coastal erosion …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

Nearly all this partnership funding has been obtained from public sector sources, with only £39 million (7% of the total) being secured from the private sector. This is significantly lower than the 25% of partnership funding secured from the private sector between April 2011 and March 2015.13 The Department wants to see the level of private sector contributions increase and is looking at the types of incentives that might support this. The Agency told us that it is important to build coalitio...

Nearly all this partnership funding has been obtained from public sector sources, with only £39 million (7% of the total) being secured from the private sector. This is significantly lower than the 25% of partnership funding secured from the private …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Agency is on track to better protect 300,000 homes as a result of its capital investment programme for 2015–16 to 2020–21. While this a clear and easily understood measure, it does not provide any indication of what has happened to flood risk for non- residential buildings, agricultural land and infrastructure, although the Agency does separately measure the impact of the programme in these areas.20 Also, the measure does not take account of the impact of other homes becoming less well pr...

The Agency is on track to better protect 300,000 homes as a result of its capital investment programme for 2015–16 to 2020–21. While this a clear and easily understood measure, it does not provide any indication of what has happened …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Agency also uses its National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA) model to estimate the number of properties at risk of flooding each year. Due to changes in methodology over the 2015–16 to 2020–21 period, a direct comparison between years is not reliable. The Agency is due to update NaFRA in 2024 to provide a more sophisticated analysis of overall flood risk.22

The Agency also uses its National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA) model to estimate the number of properties at risk of flooding each year. Due to changes in methodology over the 2015–16 to 2020–21 period, a direct comparison between years is …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

When we asked the Agency how it assesses overall national flood risk for non- residential buildings, agricultural land and infrastructure it said that it does not measure this unless it is part of a particular flood scheme. So, for example for agricultural land, the Agency does not know what has happened to the overall level of flood risk over the current investment period 2015–6 to 2020–21.23

When we asked the Agency how it assesses overall national flood risk for non- residential buildings, agricultural land and infrastructure it said that it does not measure this unless it is part of a particular flood scheme. So, for example …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Agency recognised that the way flood risks are often described, using percentages and probabilities of being flooded, are not very meaningful for the public. It described 18 Q 27: C&AG’s Report, para 16 19 Letter dated 27 January from Environment Agency to Committee 20 Q 30; C&AG’s Report, para 2.4–2.5; Letter dated 27 January from Environment Agency to Committee 21 Qq 41–42; C&AG’s Report, para 2.8, 3.16; 22 Q 41; C&AG’s Report, para 2.8 23 Qq 43–44 Managing food risk 13 how it is moving...

The Agency recognised that the way flood risks are often described, using percentages and probabilities of being flooded, are not very meaningful for the public. It described 18 Q 27: C&AG’s Report, para 16 19 Letter dated 27 January from …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Department has committed to developing a new national set of indicators on flood risk by spring 2022. It confirmed that these new indicators will be measurable and will enable the tracking of national flood risk over time.25 24 Q 54 25 Qq 49, 55–56 14 Managing food risk 2 Local investment and resilience Local levels of investment

The Department has committed to developing a new national set of indicators on flood risk by spring 2022. It confirmed that these new indicators will be measurable and will enable the tracking of national flood risk over time.25 24 Q …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (the Department) told us that the responsibility for deciding which flood defence schemes to invest in is delegated to the Environment Agency (the Agency). The Agency explained that it decides which schemes will form part of its six-year capital investment programme based on two factors: the extent to which a scheme will reduce the level of flood risk; and the readiness of a scheme to go ahead.26

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (the Department) told us that the responsibility for deciding which flood defence schemes to invest in is delegated to the Environment Agency (the Agency). The Agency explained that it decides which schemes …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Agency published a report in 2020 which showed that people from more deprived areas faced greater flood risk than those living in less deprived areas, although the gap had narrowed in the last 15 years. The report also showed that the proportion of all homes ‘better protected’ as a result of the Agency’s programme that were in the 20% most deprived areas increased from 4% in 2011 to 29% in 2014 but then declined to 8% in 2019. The Department believed that this pattern was due to some larg...

The Agency published a report in 2020 which showed that people from more deprived areas faced greater flood risk than those living in less deprived areas, although the gap had narrowed in the last 15 years. The report also showed …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We also asked the Agency about the reasons for the wide variation in the level of flood defence investment per property at risk between regions. The Agency explained that the level of flood risk will determine where investment is made. It also said that the timing and size of flood defence schemes creates variation in investment levels. It acknowledged that it needs to understand more about regional investment patterns.28 Access to affordable insurance and property-level flood resilience

We also asked the Agency about the reasons for the wide variation in the level of flood defence investment per property at risk between regions. The Agency explained that the level of flood risk will determine where investment is made. …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Department’s research, following the floods in Doncaster in November 2019, suggests that some people were still unable to obtain affordable insurance despite the existence of Flood Re. The research report made a number of recommendations which the Department is considering.31

The Department’s research, following the floods in Doncaster in November 2019, suggests that some people were still unable to obtain affordable insurance despite the existence of Flood Re. The research report made a number of recommendations which the Department is …

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26 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Agency told us that the government’s current strategy was not to build houses on flood plains unless there was no alternative and that any developments on flood plains should not increase the risk of flooding. The Agency is a statutory consultee on planning applications that may increase flood risk. It said that its advice is accepted by the planning authority in 99% of cases. It is also working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on planning reforms.33

The Agency told us that the government’s current strategy was not to build houses on flood plains unless there was no alternative and that any developments on flood plains should not increase the risk of flooding. The Agency is a …

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26 Feb 2021 | Written evidence linked

We asked the Department why some people faced difficulties in obtaining affordable insurance after being flooded, particularly those in social housing. The Department said that Flood Re, a joint initiative between the insurance industry and the UK Government, was established to ensure affordable flood risk insurance is available, regardless of whether a property has been flooded recently.29 It was established by the Water Act 2014, launched in 2016, and will run until 2039. Written evidence p...

We asked the Department why some people faced difficulties in obtaining affordable insurance after being flooded, particularly those in social housing. The Department said that Flood Re, a joint initiative between the insurance industry and the UK Government, was established …

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26 Feb 2021 | Written evidence linked

Written evidence from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Flood Re emphasised the importance of property-level flood resilience measures such as flood barriers and doors. Such measures can reduce the cost of repairs and the recovery time of affected properties. Both the ABI and Flood Re welcomed the government’s commitment to increase property-level flood resilience but felt more could be done to overcome obstacles to the take-up of measures. Their suggestions included: using Flood ...

Written evidence from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Flood Re emphasised the importance of property-level flood resilience measures such as flood barriers and doors. Such measures can reduce the cost of repairs and the recovery time of affected …

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26 Feb 2021 | Written evidence linked

Written evidence from Flood Re highlighted that the Agency does not have responsibility for surface water flooding and it has concerns about the impacts of developments in dense urban areas where surface water flood risks are high. It also has concerns that there is an inconsistent approach to climate change risk in the planning review process, and that local authorities lack skills and support to take a long-term view. It also highlighted the disconnect between the developers who financially...

Written evidence from Flood Re highlighted that the Agency does not have responsibility for surface water flooding and it has concerns about the impacts of developments in dense urban areas where surface water flood risks are high. It also has …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We welcome the doubling of investment in flood defences announced at Budget 2020, amounting to £5.2 billion over the next six years. It is vital that measures to address the growing, long-term, flood and coastal risk in the face of climate change are adequately resourced. The Government should therefore keep the level of investment under constant review, with reference to the Environment Agency’s long-term investment scenarios. The Government should commit to ensuring that funding for flood a...

We welcome the doubling of investment in flood defences announced at Budget 2020, amounting to £5.2 billion over the next six years. It is vital that measures to address the growing, long-term, flood and coastal risk in the face of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We welcome the steps taken thus far to improve the partnership funding formula, to better take account of climate change and the wider impacts of flooding. However, it is disappointing that the Government’s call for evidence on further changes to the formula has only just been launched, and will not close until the eve of the next investment programme starting in April 2021. We believe there is more work to be done to ensure that flood capital investment protects people and property without f...

We welcome the steps taken thus far to improve the partnership funding formula, to better take account of climate change and the wider impacts of flooding. However, it is disappointing that the Government’s call for evidence on further changes to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Environment Agency should facilitate this by keeping a record of schemes that are unable to proceed due to being unable to secure adequate partnership contributions, including a quantification of the losses in flood resilience that result.

The Environment Agency should facilitate this by keeping a record of schemes that are unable to proceed due to being unable to secure adequate partnership contributions, including a quantification of the losses in flood resilience that result. Type: conclusion | …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Government’s refusal to set a national standard for resilience to flooding means there is uncertainty about the level of its ambition. We would expect the Government to show leadership in the face of severe and growing risk by setting out its long- term objective. We are not convinced by the Government’s rationale for rejecting the National Infrastructure Commission’s recommendation of a nationwide standard for flood resilience. Such a standard could address limitations of cost- benefit a...

The Government’s refusal to set a national standard for resilience to flooding means there is uncertainty about the level of its ambition. We would expect the Government to show leadership in the face of severe and growing risk by setting …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We welcome the focus on protecting not just homes, but also other properties. It is crucial that the success or otherwise of flood risk management interventions is closely monitored, in order to demonstrate progress toward strategic objectives and ensure value for money. We are particularly concerned that the Environment Agency has no plans to monitor progress on the number of properties that will be better protected in the next capital investment programme. The Government should provide furt...

We welcome the focus on protecting not just homes, but also other properties. It is crucial that the success or otherwise of flood risk management interventions is closely monitored, in order to demonstrate progress toward strategic objectives and ensure value …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Government must provide leadership to ensure that the division of flood risk responsibilities among various organisations does not result in local communities experiencing a less efficient and responsive approach to flood risk management than if all responsibilities were brought under one roof. We cautiously welcome the Government’s commitment to reform flood risk planning, but it must effectively address the concerns we have heard about lack of integration, and not simply place unnecessa...

The Government must provide leadership to ensure that the division of flood risk responsibilities among various organisations does not result in local communities experiencing a less efficient and responsive approach to flood risk management than if all responsibilities were brought …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The responsibility of riparian owners to maintain watercourses so as not to increase flood risk to others is well established in common law. Obviously, individuals must first know whether they are riparian owners, and their responsibilities, if they are to be expected to discharge them. Risk management authorities also need to be properly enabled and resourced to identify and communicate the right management approaches for riparian assets, and enforce maintenance where necessary. The Governme...

The responsibility of riparian owners to maintain watercourses so as not to increase flood risk to others is well established in common law. Obviously, individuals must first know whether they are riparian owners, and their responsibilities, if they are to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

Local authorities will be a key delivery partner for the Government’s new flooding policies, so we are very concerned by evidence of inconsistency and shortcomings in capacity. While it is for local authorities to take local decisions, central Government must ensure that they are properly resourced to implement their existing functions and the Government’s new flooding policies. We note that the Government has recognised the need to review funding for local government statutory flood risk fun...

Local authorities will be a key delivery partner for the Government’s new flooding policies, so we are very concerned by evidence of inconsistency and shortcomings in capacity. While it is for local authorities to take local decisions, central Government must …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

Our engagement with local communities at risk of flooding has highlighted the significant long-term challenges that result from a flood. In particular, the mental health impacts of flooding have been vividly described to us. This includes both the initial trauma of having one’s home flooded, and the resultant anxiety whenever severe weather approaches. There is a lack of support for long-term recovery after a flood, once the immediate response phase has passed. We agree with the Government th...

Our engagement with local communities at risk of flooding has highlighted the significant long-term challenges that result from a flood. In particular, the mental health impacts of flooding have been vividly described to us. This includes both the initial trauma …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Government should supplement its July 2020 policy statement with an additional action plan, developed with local partners, for the long-term physical, economic, and psychological recovery of communities impacted by flooding. This should include a clear explanation of which national and local actors should be responsible for key aspects of flood recovery support, how they will be supported and resourced, and a plan to monitor delivery against a set of recovery indicators. The Government’s ...

The Government should supplement its July 2020 policy statement with an additional action plan, developed with local partners, for the long-term physical, economic, and psychological recovery of communities impacted by flooding. This should include a clear explanation of which national …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

It is widely recognised that inappropriate development in areas at risk from flooding represents a serious threat to flood resilience, particularly as the scale of the risk is 50 Flooding likely to increase with climate change. Defra must do more to integrate its approach to flood resilience across the whole of Government, and this must include greater interaction between planning policy and approaches to managing flood risk. The Government should explain how its proposals for planning reform...

It is widely recognised that inappropriate development in areas at risk from flooding represents a serious threat to flood resilience, particularly as the scale of the risk is 50 Flooding likely to increase with climate change. Defra must do more …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that the words on flood risk in national planning policy still do not always translate into actions. We are encouraged by the Government’s proposal that planning applications approved against flood risk advice could in future be subject to call-in by the Secretary of State. The Government should provide further detail on its proposals for cases in which flood risk advice on planning applications is not followed. The remit of the Environment Agency as a statutory consultee sho...

We are concerned that the words on flood risk in national planning policy still do not always translate into actions. We are encouraged by the Government’s proposal that planning applications approved against flood risk advice could in future be subject …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

It is clear that planning and risk management authorities must be empowered and resourced to effectively monitor and enforce the fulfilment of planning conditions in areas at risk of flooding. The Government should urgently review whether planning conditions to mitigate flood risk are being fulfilled. The Government should then bring forward proposals to address any limitations in the powers and resources available to appropriate authorities for the enforcement of planning conditions.

It is clear that planning and risk management authorities must be empowered and resourced to effectively monitor and enforce the fulfilment of planning conditions in areas at risk of flooding. The Government should urgently review whether planning conditions to mitigate …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Government’s commitment to act upon our recommendations regarding the cumulative impact on flood risk of smaller developments. While we recognise that national planning policy does refer to cumulative impacts, this has clearly not allayed concerns that these impacts are not given due regard when planning decisions are made. The Government should, as part of its review of planning policy for flood risk, establish to what extent flood risk is increased by the lack of scrutiny giv...

We welcome the Government’s commitment to act upon our recommendations regarding the cumulative impact on flood risk of smaller developments. While we recognise that national planning policy does refer to cumulative impacts, this has clearly not allayed concerns that these …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We are very concerned that local planning authorities lack the skills base and resources to effectively factor the impacts of climate change into development decisions. While plans and individual decisions are rightly made at a local level, it is the duty of Government to provide leadership to local authorities facing potentially significant increases in future flood risk. The Government should commit to ensuring that all local planning authorities have the powers, resources and information t...

We are very concerned that local planning authorities lack the skills base and resources to effectively factor the impacts of climate change into development decisions. While plans and individual decisions are rightly made at a local level, it is the …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The engagement of communities in the development of local plans is already inadequate, and the proposed reforms to the planning system must not compound this problem. Greater community involvement in planning decisions in many areas at flood risk would have the twin benefits of building trust and contributing valuable technical knowledge about drainage issues. The Government should develop national guidance on incorporating local knowledge of flood risk into planning decisions, the developmen...

The engagement of communities in the development of local plans is already inadequate, and the proposed reforms to the planning system must not compound this problem. Greater community involvement in planning decisions in many areas at flood risk would have …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We recognise the concerns of several stakeholders about site-specific Flood Risk Assessments, and the Government should use its reform of the planning system as an opportunity to investigate this issue further. The Government’s standardisation of technical supporting information should include an evaluation of the current arrangements for the preparation and content of site-specific Flood Risk Assessments, and whether these adequately contribute to flood resilience objectives and public confi...

We recognise the concerns of several stakeholders about site-specific Flood Risk Assessments, and the Government should use its reform of the planning system as an opportunity to investigate this issue further. The Government’s standardisation of technical supporting information should include …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

A step change is needed in promoting the uptake of appropriate property flood resilience measures. It is important that reforms to Flood Re to incentivise PFR form part of wider work aimed at encouraging people to improve the flood resilience of their own property. We welcome the Government’s call for evidence on ways to accelerate PFR uptake, and the findings of our inquiry should inform this work. Following its current call for evidence, the Government should publish an action plan of new m...

A step change is needed in promoting the uptake of appropriate property flood resilience measures. It is important that reforms to Flood Re to incentivise PFR form part of wider work aimed at encouraging people to improve the flood resilience …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

It is essential that the Government works with Flood Re and the insurance industry to identify and address continuing obstacles to the uptake of insurance among people at risk from flooding. The Government should set out what further research will be undertaken, building on the Blanc review of insurance in Doncaster, to better understand and address barriers to uptake of household flood insurance cover.

It is essential that the Government works with Flood Re and the insurance industry to identify and address continuing obstacles to the uptake of insurance among people at risk from flooding. The Government should set out what further research will …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We understand the Government’s argument that businesses are in a different position compared to households in respect of flood insurance cover. However, we are concerned about the position of small and medium-sized enterprises, which do not benefit from any Government-backed initiative, equivalent to Flood Re, that would smooth the transition to risk-reflective pricing. Access to affordable insurance cover is crucial for improving flood resilience, and the Government must ensure that small an...

We understand the Government’s argument that businesses are in a different position compared to households in respect of flood insurance cover. However, we are concerned about the position of small and medium-sized enterprises, which do not benefit from any Government-backed …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

It is essential that work is done to improve understanding of the scale of surface water flood risk at a national and local level. In particular, we are concerned to hear evidence of surface and foul water flooding caused or exacerbated by the failure to adequately maintain drainage systems. It is difficult to determine the scale of this risk due to the lack of centralised information on the capacity of sewer systems. The Government should quantify the surface water element of its overall amb...

It is essential that work is done to improve understanding of the scale of surface water flood risk at a national and local level. In particular, we are concerned to hear evidence of surface and foul water flooding caused or …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We have listened with great concern to evidence that local communities feel disengaged and ignored in decisions relevant to flood risk. It is clear that, where risk management authorities do engage with local people, this engagement is often not perceived as meaningful or impactful. Communities must not be treated as groups who have things done to them, but as vital delivery partners in the Government’s approach to building resilience. While involving people in decisions that affect their liv...

We have listened with great concern to evidence that local communities feel disengaged and ignored in decisions relevant to flood risk. It is clear that, where risk management authorities do engage with local people, this engagement is often not perceived …

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8 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The Government should review the institutional arrangements for community engagement in flood risk management, to identify best practice and opportunities for more effective approaches. The Government should also commit to ensuring that risk management authorities are resourced and supported to carry out meaningful engagement, including making funding available to the voluntary sector to build capacity in other organisations. (Paragraph 143) 54 Flooding

The Government should review the institutional arrangements for community engagement in flood risk management, to identify best practice and opportunities for more effective approaches. The Government should also commit to ensuring that risk management authorities are resourced and supported to …

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2020

2 events
5 Nov 2020 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Independent Review of Insurance

UIN: HCWS554 On 27th December 2019 my Rt Hon Friend the then Secretary of State (Theresa Villiers) commissioned an independent review following the severe flooding in South Yorkshire in November 2019. The River Don recorded its highest ever peak flows …

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14 Jul 2020 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Flood and coastal erosion risk management policy

UIN: HLWS351 My Rt. Hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (George Eustice) has today made the following statement: I recognise the immense impacts that flooding and coastal erosion can have on homes and …

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2019

13 events

2018

9 events

2017

2 events

2016

4 events
4 Mar 2016 | Policy paper Environment Agency linked

River Thames Scheme: strategy appraisal report

The report describes the Environment Agency's Flood Risk Management (FRM) strategy for the 100 year period to 2110 between Datchet and Teddington.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ River Thames Scheme: strategy appraisal report (81pp)
+3 more
↓ River Thames Scheme: appendix D figures 1.1 to 6.1 (7pp) ↓ River Thames Scheme: appendix D figures 6.2 to 6.3 (2pp) ↓ River Thames Scheme: appendix D figures 6.4 to 6.5 (2pp)

2015

8 events
13 Jul 2015 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Environment Agency Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Planning application process: statutory consultee arrangements — outcome published

Consultation on measures aimed at ensuring more effective provision of advice to local planning authorities in relation to surface water drainage management.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Further changes to statutory consultee arrangem… (18pp)
+2 more
↓ Further changes to statutory consultee arrangements for the… (12pp) ↓ Annex A: list of respondents (4pp)
29 Jan 2015 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Environment Agency Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Planning application process: statutory consultee arrangements — consultation closed

Consultation on measures aimed at ensuring more effective provision of advice to local planning authorities in relation to surface water drainage management.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Further changes to statutory consultee arrangem… (18pp)
+2 more
↓ Further changes to statutory consultee arrangements for the… (12pp) ↓ Annex A: list of respondents (4pp)

2014

2 events
18 Dec 2014 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Environment Agency Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Planning application process: statutory consultee arrangements — consultation opened

Consultation on measures aimed at ensuring more effective provision of advice to local planning authorities in relation to surface water drainage management.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Further changes to statutory consultee arrangem… (18pp)
+2 more
↓ Further changes to statutory consultee arrangements for the… (12pp) ↓ Annex A: list of respondents (4pp)

2013

3 events

2010

2 events