Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 64
It is welcome that the Government has now put in place a package of support...
Recommendation
It is welcome that the Government has now put in place a package of support measures for households and businesses impacted by severe flooding. While it is right that local authorities will usually be best placed to deliver these measures in their areas, it is concerning that some appear to have been left ill-prepared to deal with expectations being set by high-profile announcements from central Government. The eligibility criteria for these schemes have also created at least the impression of unfairness. The use of a single threshold of 25 or more flooded houses, across local authority areas of different sizes, also raises questions of fairness. The review of the Flood Recovery Framework and the property flood resilience grant scheme should include an evaluation of the timeliness and adequacy of communication from central Government to local authorities, as well as whether the scheme ought to include an additional element of reimbursement for administrative costs. The Government should also ensure that the eligibility criteria for these schemes are clearly communicated, and fairly reflect the differences between local authority areas, including size. The operation of the Bellwin scheme in relation to flood events should also be reviewed as part of this work.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response focuses on community engagement and the role of the third sector in flood resilience, including reviews of resources and training by the Environment Agency, but does not address the recommendation to review specific flood recovery schemes or communication with local authorities.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
64
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
The Government is currently conducting a review of the Flood Recovery Framework14 and this includes the use of thresholds and the timescales for determining local eligibility for recovery schemes. The Government will also be undertaking an evaluation of the delivery and impact of the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant scheme currently in operation. Guidance for the Repair Grant Scheme is promptly issued to local authorities when the scheme is activated. The guidance will be updated following any changes made as a result of the evaluation and communicated through a range of means to local authorities and community stakeholders. There are currently no plans to review the Bellwin scheme. Conclusion and Recommendation 15: Our engagement with local communities at risk of flooding has highlighted the significant long-term challenges that result from a flood. In particular, the mental health impacts of flooding have been vividly described to us. This includes both the initial trauma of having one’s home flooded, and the resultant anxiety whenever severe weather approaches. There is a lack of support for long-term recovery after a flood, once the immediate response phase has passed. We agree with the Government that support should be delivered in the most effective way, often by local Government or voluntary groups. In establishing the Flood Recovery Framework the Government has, rightly, accepted that it has a responsibility to support communities struck by severe flooding. It should not forget them when the flood waters recede. We look forward to further detail from the Government on how it will engage with local partners to make sure that these communities are properly supported.
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