Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 68
Our engagement with local communities at risk of flooding has highlighted the significant long-term challenges...
Conclusion
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.
Government response summary AI-generated
The Government acknowledged the crucial role of community engagement and the third sector, stating it will work with these groups to ensure future flood risk management planning includes meaningful community engagement and committed to reviewing the voluntary sector's role and Environment Agency's resources to improve community resilience.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
68
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
The Government recognises the long-term impact flooding can have on someone’s mental health and well-being. In April 2020, the Government announced changes to its funding formula for flood defences, to include new evidence on the overall impacts of flooding, such as mental health and wellbeing. The long-term health response following a flood, including for mental health, is managed at the regional level with national co-ordination if required. To support this approach, NHS England has developed clinical guidelines on dealing with major incidents, including providing psychosocial support for both patients and staff and talking therapies which can be accessed remotely. The NHS is also working to ensure face to face support is available, where possible and safe, and all NHS mental health providers have established 24/7 urgent mental health helplines. As part of recovery efforts, local authorities may also choose to 14 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flood-recovery-framework-guidance-for-local-authorities-in- england call on the expertise of organisations in the voluntary sector, such as the National Flood Forum, a national charity for England and Wales, for both the immediate and long-term support for the wellbeing of flood affected communities. The Government remains committed to continuing its investment in expanding and transforming mental health services in England. This will amount to an addition £2.3 billion of extra funding a year in mental health services by 2023–24 and an additional £500 million in 2021–22 to address waiting times for mental health services, giving more people the support they need, and investing in the NHS workforce. Conclusion and Recommendation 16: The Government should supplement its July 2020 policy statement with an additional action plan, developed with local partners, for the long-term physical, economic, and psychological recovery of communities impacted by flooding. This should include a clear explanation of which national and local actors should be responsible for key aspects of flood recovery support, how they will be supported and resourced, and a plan to monitor delivery against a set of recovery indicators. The Government’s commitment to support the voluntary sector should include funding to help charities respond to flooding and build capacity in other organisations.
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