Minister confirms surface water duties

18 June 2008

Local authorities will take responsibility for surface water flooding in their own communities, the Government has confirmed.

Environment minister, Phil Woolas, outlined details of how the proposed Floods and Water Bill would ensure the country was better prepared for surface water flooding in future.

The Environment Agency will take a new, strategic overview role for all forms of flood risk management, supporting councils taking the lead on the ground. ‘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,’ Woolas said.

‘This new role for the Environment Agency will ensure a more co-ordinated response to future floods.’ He said councils had ‘a vital role to play’, and could be provided with powers to ensure organisations and landowners with responsibility fulfilled 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 coordination and co-operation.

A spokesman for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told Surveyor the legislation would impose duties ‘but obviously, it’s too early to talk about what they are likely to be’.

Nick Reeves, executive director of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, said it would be very surprising if, following the Pitt review, local councils weren’t given statutory powers. ‘We must trust, and will argue, that the new powers announced by the environment minister are robust and that local authorities will have access to the resources they need, to exercise their responsibilities effectively, in order to build people’s trust.’ DEFRA is aiming to consult on the draft Bill in spring 2009.

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login

Sign In

Minister confirms surface water duties

buying biaxin

ordering clarithromycin

Register now for full access

Login