WIREDGOV

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has yesterday published the latest report on the progress the Government has made in implementing the recommendations of the Pitt Review on the 2007 floods.

The report shows continued and significant progress. The Flood and Water Management Bill, which will enable Pitt recommendations that require legislation to be implemented, has been introduced in the House of Commons.

Since the last report in June 2009 other schemes have already been put in place providing protection to the public and properties:

• In August 2009 it was announced that local communities will benefit from funding of up to £16 million to help tackle the problem of surface water funding;
• A new £7.7million - Flood Forecasting Centre is now fully operational helping local authorities and emergency providers be better prepared for potential flooding;
• We have strengthened the arrangements for local and national coordination in the event of an emergency, as recently tested in Cumbria – for example through publishing updated Emergency Response and Recovery Guidance;
• We have issued guidance to regulators on protecting essential services; local actions include the reinforcement  of defences at Mythe Water Treatment works in Gloucestershire and flood defences at the East and West Hull sewage pumping stations;
• We have delivered through the Environment Agency 106 flood defence schemes protecting over 63,800 extra homes; and
• 140,000 extra people have signed up to receive flood warnings in England and Wales.                                     

The report also sets out how the Government will complete the implementation of Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations.

Notes to editors

1. The second, sixth month Pitt Review progress report is available to view on our flooding pages.

2. More information on the Flood and Water Management Bill can be found on our flooding pages.