Blog

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Rosie Cooper on 2016-01-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her Department will take steps to introduce a single point of emergency contact during incidents of flooding to improve the co-ordinated response to such incidents; and if she will make a statement.

Rory Stewart

The Environment Agency Floodline Service has established a 24 hour, 7 day a week helpline, as a single point of contact on flooding. The Floodline number is 0345 988 1188.

In a case of risk to life, however the public should continue to call 999. Floodline has also provided an extended service, providing information on flooding on a 24 hour basis on behalf of local councils.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Rosie Cooper on 2016-01-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the purpose is of flood action groups established in areas that have experienced recurring flooding; and whether her Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of such groups improving residents’ protection from flooding.

Rory Stewart

Flood action groups enable residents to have a role in managing their own flood risk. Groups define their own priorities to meet the needs of their community and will engage in a range of activities such as; training, emergency response, building community preparedness or lobbying activities, for example.

Defra has recently published an independent evaluation of its Flood Resilience Community Pathfinder Scheme, which trialled a number of approaches to help communities find simple, effective ways to minimise their flood risk.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Rosie Cooper on 2016-01-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if his Department will review the guidelines on sustainable drainage system requirements under planning policy for new developments in areas with recorded incidents of flooding; and if he will make a statement.

Brandon Lewis

There are strict tests in national planning policy and guidance to protect people and property from flooding. The National Planning Policy Framework is very clear that new development should only be considered appropriate in areas at risk of flooding where it gives priority to the use of sustainable drainage systems. The Framework is underpinned by planning guidance, including guidance on sustainable drainage systems which was strengthened last year.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Rosie Cooper on 2016-01-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her Department will provide guidance to residents whose homes have been flooded in circumstances where the failure of a local agency, local authority or private company to maintain the water management infrastructure adequately can be demonstrated, on how those residents can seek redress or compensation.

Rory Stewart

The Environment Agency and local authorities have permissive powers to maintain flood defences, flood risk assets, culverts or drains. Sewerage companies have a duty under section 94 of the Water Industry Act 1991 to effectually drain their area.

Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) are responsible, under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, for investigating and publish reports on incidents of flooding. These reports may identify the causes of a flooding incident. Those who have been flooded may wish to contact their local LLFA about these reports.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Rosie Cooper on 2016-01-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, by what mechanism residents can challenge a local authority’s assessment of the adequacy of drainage systems for a new housing development where they believe it will contribute to additional flooding in an area which has recently flooded.

Brandon Lewis

There are strict tests in the National Planning Policy Framework to protect people and property from flooding, and we are very clear that where these tests are not met new development should not be allowed.

The Framework must be taken into account in the preparation of local plans, drawn up by local councils in consultation with local communities, which should steer inappropriate development away from areas at risk of flooding. Local Plans should be supported by Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and develop policies to manage flood risk from all sources, taking account of advice from the Environment Agency and other relevant flood risk management bodies. A Local Plan must be published for consultation before it can be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination. This provides a formal opportunity for the local community to consider the local plan which the local planning authority would like to adopt.

For planning applications, local planning authorities are also required to undertake a formal period of public consultation prior to making a decision. When determining planning applications in flood risk areas, the Framework is clear on the importance of demonstrating that the development will be safe, resilient and not increase flood risk elsewhere. The Framework also sets out when applications should be supported by a site-specific flood risk assessment. These assessments provide a source of information for local residents together with representations on proposed development from flood risk management bodies. Planning law requires that planning applications must be determined in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The Framework is a material consideration in planning decisions, as are the planning concerns of residents.