Local authorities have learned lessons in flood management since the 2007 floods, Sir Michael Pitt told delegates at the annual Environment Agency conference this week.

The author of the Pitt review cited the response to flooding in Morpeth earlier this year as one example. ‘The North was better prepared this year than the country was last year, so this is encouraging,’ he said.

‘Local authorities need to rise to the challenge to fill the void, in terms of leadership at a local level. I think they will, but we will still need to hold them to account.’

The Government’s full response to the Pitt review is due to be released shortly. Sir Michael said he was working with the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and it was ‘very enthusiastic about everything in the report’.

The establishment of a new joint centre for the Met Office and Environment Agency was a recommendation that has been taken up, and one that ‘will lead to crucial changes’.

Paul Coen, chief executive of the Local Government Association, said: ‘From a local government point of view, we are very enthusiastic about taking on Pitt’s recommendations, but as part of a deal that properly reflects a partnership. We don’t want to mislead the public or expose ourselves to future vilification by taking on burdens we cannot sustain.

‘However, we do accept the fundamental findings that local authorities must take the lead on flooding.’

Environment secretary, Hilary Benn, announced a new draft Bill for consultation in the next parliamentary session. Proposals include stickers for all vehicles carrying waste, to allow better enforcement of fly-tipping. He also said future climate maps would be published in 2009.