18
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Flooding
Rejected
We are concerned that the words on flood risk in national planning policy still do not always translate into actions. We are encouraged by the Government’s proposal that planning applications approved against flood risk advice could in future be subject to call-in by the Secretary of State. The Government should …
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We are concerned that the words on flood risk in national planning policy still do not always translate into actions. We are encouraged by the Government’s proposal that planning applications approved against flood risk advice could in future be subject to call-in by the Secretary of State. The Government should provide further detail on its proposals for cases in which flood risk advice on planning applications is not followed. The remit of the Environment Agency as a statutory consultee should be expanded to include areas of future risk owing to climate change.
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Government response AI summary
The Government rejected expanding the Environment Agency’s remit for planning applications, stating it has no current plans to do so. It did not provide further detail on proposals for call-in where flood risk advice is not followed, reiterating local planning authority responsibilities instead.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
27
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Flooding
Rejected
We understand the Government’s argument that businesses are in a different position compared to households in respect of flood insurance cover. However, we are concerned about the position of small and medium-sized enterprises, which do not benefit from any Government-backed initiative, equivalent to Flood Re, that would smooth the transition …
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We understand the Government’s argument that businesses are in a different position compared to households in respect of flood insurance cover. However, we are concerned about the position of small and medium-sized enterprises, which do not benefit from any Government-backed initiative, equivalent to Flood Re, that would smooth the transition to risk-reflective pricing. Access to affordable insurance cover is crucial for improving flood resilience, and the Government must ensure that small and medium-sized businesses are not disadvantaged in this regard. The Government should work with industry and stakeholders to establish, as a matter of urgency, additional measures, beyond guidance and signposting, to support small and medium-sized businesses to access affordable flood insurance cover. (Paragraph 108) 52 Flooding Managing water
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the need for additional measures for SMEs, stating there is no evidence of a systemic problem in accessing flood insurance, and highlights existing market solutions and the ongoing consideration of an independent review's recommendations.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs