23 November 2007
Town hall leaders have urged ministers to invest in flood defences now or risk repeating the devastation that hit England this summer.
In an official submission to Sir Michael Pitt's Lessons learned review of the summer's floods, the Local Government Association called for urgent implementation of a plan to reduce flood risk across the country.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has promised to increase flood prevention funds from £600m to £800m. But council leaders are concerned that this money is not due to come on stream until 2010/11. They warn that the three-year delay could prompt a repeat of this summer's floods.
Paul Bettison, chair of the LGA's environment board, said: 'The prime minister's decision to invest more in flood defences was also a positive move, but three years is simply too long to wait. There is no guarantee we will not see a repeat of the heavy rainfall which led to that flooding, and so it is vital we start improving our systems and defences as soon as possible.'
The LGA's submission, published on November 16, calls for a systematic review of the flood risks facing the UK and the state of preparedness. As well as better investment, the association is recommending clearer roles and responsibilities for drainage and additional investment in the drainage system; incentives for households to take flood precautions; and tighter planning controls for building on flood plains.
'Action now to improve our drainage systems and upgrade our flood defences will prevent greater damage and higher costs in the future,' said Bettison.
The Lessons learned review is being led by the Cabinet Office and will study the emergency response to June and July's flooding, as well as examining ways of reducing the future risk and impact of floods.
PFnov2007
