Councils cannot control the weather but can control their response to extreme events such as widespread flooding. They need to rethink their strategies in light of the new financial environment
Last month’s flash floods in Wales, Ireland and Cornwall demonstrated the challenges local authorities face when up against the UK’s unpredictable weather. However, these challenges are set to get a whole lot bigger following the National Audit Office’s report last week identifying a worrying funding gap of £100m for local flood protection.
Additionally, the Environment Agency estimated the need for an extra £20m of annual spend by 2035, ringing alarm bells for many councils that have already taken on increased responsibility for the management of flood-related disasters since 2007 and are facing the challenges of spending cuts across the board. It is unsurprising then that the NAO research shows that over two-thirds of Britain’s councils believe they are unprepared for a growing risk of floods – both financially and physically.
The government’s hope for shortfalls in funding and knowledge to be filled by the private sector means that councils’ disaster plans and crisis response programmes need to be reinforced, taking into account the additional potential risks through partnership agreements.
The disruption that flooding causes is well known and most councils will have a crisis response built into their contingency plan. However, the nature of the new financial environment means management teams may now need to revaluate their processes to ensure they are still fit for purpose.
A crisis response model that draws on resources no longer available will be of little help should the worst occur again. Local authorities should look to assess their most critical assets, safeguarding the elements of their services that simply cannot be compromised.
Where authorities identify a shortfall, either in finance, knowledge or infrastructure, engaging the private sector will be essential. But again, these partnerships can be problematic if not implemented carefully. In the rush to meet the shortfall, those responsible for outsourcing must ensure they select the most appropriate and capable partner for every aspect of their operation. Their track-record and knowledge should be assessed carefully.
An effective response method should be prepared and communicated to employees alongside all contingency measures and resources available, such as online severe weather guidance.
There are an estimated 5 million people living in flood risk areas across England and Wales, which makes flooding a very real risk for the wider community. While councils may not always be able to account for the severest of weather, there are certainly some measures that can be taken towards mitigating these ever increasing challenges. Rethinking strategy now will prove beneficial in the long run.
Andrew Jepp is director of public services at Zurich Municipal
