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Draft Floods and Water Bill to deliver improved management of surface water flooding - Woolas

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release ref :188/08) issued by The Government News Network on 17 June 2008

Details of how the proposed Floods and Water Bill would ensure the country is better prepared to deal with surface water flooding in the future, will today be outlined by Environment Minister Phil Woolas.

He will announce a new strategic overview role for the Environment Agency for all forms of flood risk management throughout the country. Local authorities will take responsibility for surface water flooding in their own communities, supported by the Agency.

These changes will help the relevant authorities to respond more effectively to future flooding events, and provide better protection for people and property.

Speaking at a water conference in London later today, Phil Woolas will say:

"In the year since last summer's devastating floods, and in response to Sir Michael Pitt's interim report, we have been taking action to ensure the country is better prepared to deal with flooding. This new role for the Environment Agency will ensure a more co-ordinated response to future floods.

"Local authorities have a vital role to play, and under the Agency's overview they will be supported to take the lead on the ground. We are prepared if necessary to back this up by providing authorities with the powers to ensure that organisations and landowners responsible fulfil their obligations; for example by maintaining drains."

In his interim report Sir Michael Pitt called for clearer roles and responsibilities to be set out for organisations responsible for surface water management, as well as improved co-ordination and co-operation.

Mr Woolas is also expected to announce how the Floods and Water Bill will replace existing outdated legislation and tighten up reservoir safety. Under new rules, more of the country's reservoirs will be subject to stringent inspections.

Defra is aiming to consult on the draft Bill in Spring 2009.

Notes to Editors

1. Defra announced the intention to give the Environment Agency the overview role for all flooding issues - inland and on the coast - in the "Making Space for Water" strategy. The Agency took on the overview role for the coast on the 1st April this year.

2. Surface water flooding occurs where high rainfall events exceed the drainage capacity in an area. Such events can also lead to serious flooding of property and possessions where surface water flows and collects. You can access more information by following this link: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/fcd/policy/surfacewaterdrainage.htm

3. For general information about the roles and responsibilities of flood risk management please follow this link: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/fcd/default.htm

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