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Bill will replace existing outdated legislation and tighten up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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