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Fourth Report - Flooding

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee HC 170 Published 8 February 2021
Report Status
Government responded
Conclusions & Recommendations
35 items (33 recs)
Government Response
AI assessment · 35 of 35 classified
Accepted 11
Accepted in Part 7
Acknowledged 5
Deferred 5
Not Addressed 5
Rejected 2
Government response
Eighth Special Report - Flooding: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2019–21 · published 30 Apr 2021
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Recommendations & Conclusions

35 items
1 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Para 12

We welcome the doubling of investment in flood defences announced at Budget 2020, amounting to...

Recommendation
We welcome the doubling of investment in flood defences announced at Budget 2020, amounting to £5.2 billion over the next six years. It is vital that measures to address the growing, long-term, flood and coastal risk in the face of … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government details its current £5.2 billion investment in flood defences for 2021-2027, stating it exceeds the Environment Agency's optimal investment levels and that EA guidance on climate change scenarios is regularly reviewed. However, it explicitly states that the level of investment beyond this current programme will be determined by the next government, thereby not committing to long-term funding pledges.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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2 Recommendation Accepted
Para 16

We welcome the steps taken thus far to improve the partnership funding formula, to better...

Recommendation
We welcome the steps taken thus far to improve the partnership funding formula, to better take account of climate change and the wider impacts of flooding. However, it is disappointing that the Government’s call for evidence on further changes to … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government confirms it will launch a public consultation following the Call for Evidence on changes to the flood funding formula. It commits to publishing and applying any changes as soon as possible within the current investment programme, balancing speed with providing adequate notice and guidance.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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3 Conclusion Accepted
Para 22

We share the concern of our predecessor Committee about the apparent stalling of private sector...

Conclusion
We share the concern of our predecessor Committee about the apparent stalling of private sector contributions under the partnership funding model. The recent National Audit Office report shows the Government faces an uphill struggle to reverse the decline in private … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government defended its partnership funding approach, citing past successes and explaining that new policy actions and increased government funding will reduce the required partnership contributions, making them achievable. It committed to regularly monitoring partnership funding, including private sector contributions.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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4 Recommendation Accepted
Para 23

While we acknowledge the great value of partnership contributions from public sources, it is obvious...

Recommendation
While we acknowledge the great value of partnership contributions from public sources, it is obvious that private sector investment is too low (as the Government has implicitly accepted), and this could contribute to uncertainty about whether schemes will be deliverable. … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that partnership funding, including private sector contributions, will be regularly monitored by the Government and Environment Agency. This monitoring will occur monthly, with intensive support for high-risk schemes, to identify key risks early and enable mitigating action to prevent outcomes from being jeopardised.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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5 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 24

The Environment Agency should facilitate this by keeping a record of schemes that are unable...

Recommendation
The Environment Agency should facilitate this by keeping a record of schemes that are unable to proceed due to being unable to secure adequate partnership contributions, including a quantification of the losses in flood resilience that result.
Government Response Summary
The government defends its partnership funding approach, stating it is successfully delivering its objectives and that funding is achievable. It confirms that partnership funding will be regularly monitored to identify key risks, but does not explicitly commit to recording schemes that fail due to inadequate contributions or quantifying resulting resilience losses.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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6 Recommendation Deferred
Para 29

It is critical that the considerable outlay of public money through the Government’s £5.2 billion...

Recommendation
It is critical that the considerable outlay of public money through the Government’s £5.2 billion capital investment in flood defences is not wasted through a failure to adequately resource the maintenance of new and existing assets. We are concerned Flooding … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of maintaining flood defence assets, citing past and current increases in maintenance funding. However, it defers a decision on establishing a long-term resource budget settlement by stating that future spending will be determined by the 2021 Spending Review.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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7 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Para 35

The Government’s refusal to set a national standard for resilience to flooding means there is...

Recommendation
The Government’s refusal to set a national standard for resilience to flooding means there is uncertainty about the level of its ambition. We would expect the Government to show leadership in the face of severe and growing risk by setting … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government does not accept a 'one size fits all' national standard, citing difficulties. However, it commits to developing national indicators to monitor resilience trends, strengthening reporting, and transforming local planning to drive progress towards greater flood resilience.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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8 Recommendation Acknowledged
Para 36

Climate change poses a grave threat to the flood resilience of communities, with the Climate...

Recommendation
Climate change poses a grave threat to the flood resilience of communities, with the Climate Change Committee warning that warming of 4°C or more implies inevitable increases in flood risk even in the most ambitious adaptation scenarios considered. The Government … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government acknowledged climate change risks, stating these are recognised in its UK Climate Change Risk Assessment and National Risk Register, and that policies are informed by climate projections. It highlighted existing work like the National Flood Resilience Review and a forthcoming updated National Flood Risk Assessment by 2024, which will underpin an adaptive approach to long-term investment decisions.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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9 Recommendation Deferred

We welcome the focus on protecting not just homes, but also other properties.

Recommendation
We welcome the focus on protecting not just homes, but also other properties. It is crucial that the success or otherwise of flood risk management interventions is closely monitored, in order to demonstrate progress toward strategic objectives and ensure value … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government commits to developing a national set of indicators, strengthening reporting, and tracking progress on the new capital programme, but defers providing further detail on these proposals 'in due course'.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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10 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Para 44

The Government must provide leadership to ensure that the division of flood risk responsibilities among...

Recommendation
The Government must provide leadership to ensure that the division of flood risk responsibilities among various organisations does not result in local communities experiencing a less efficient and responsive approach to flood risk management than if all responsibilities were brought … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government commits to transforming local flood risk planning by 2026 and will consult on changes, including providing further detail on responsibilities and integration; however, it states local authorities are already resourced and will only carefully consider future funding impacts.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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11 Recommendation Accepted
Para 48

The responsibility of riparian owners to maintain watercourses so as not to increase flood risk...

Recommendation
The responsibility of riparian owners to maintain watercourses so as not to increase flood risk to others is well established in common law. Obviously, individuals must first know whether they are riparian owners, and their responsibilities, if they are to … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to ensure riparian owners are clear on their responsibilities and stating that the Environment Agency will develop and pilot new communication methods, alongside an independent review of statutory responsibilities.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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12 Recommendation Not Addressed

Local authorities will be a key delivery partner for the Government’s new flooding policies, so...

Recommendation
Local authorities will be a key delivery partner for the Government’s new flooding policies, so we are very concerned by evidence of inconsistency and shortcomings in capacity. While it is for local authorities to take local decisions, central Government must … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government states that local authorities are currently resourced for flood risk management and will consider the impacts of future reforms, but it does not provide details on the requested funding review's scope and timescale or commit to ensuring dedicated resources.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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13 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Para 58

We recognise and pay tribute to the substantial effort undertaken by all emergency responders, as...

Recommendation
We recognise and pay tribute to the substantial effort undertaken by all emergency responders, as well as local communities and the armed services, in responding to the severe flooding over the autumn and winter of 2019–20. However, we are concerned … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government commits to reviewing the role and capacity of the voluntary sector and community groups in flood incident response, and the Environment Agency is reviewing information resources and developing a five-year training plan for staff. However, the response focuses specifically on community and voluntary groups, rather than a broad review encompassing all bodies involved in flood response as recommended.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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14 Recommendation Not Addressed
Para 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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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15 Conclusion Acknowledged
Para 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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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16 Recommendation Not Addressed

The Government should supplement its July 2020 policy statement with an additional action plan, developed...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government's response is a truncated repetition of the recommendation, providing no actual engagement with its substance or commitments from the government.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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17 Recommendation Accepted
Para 73

It is widely recognised that inappropriate development in areas at risk from flooding represents a...

Recommendation
It is widely recognised that inappropriate development in areas at risk from flooding represents a serious threat to flood resilience, particularly as the scale of the risk is 50 Flooding likely to increase with climate change. Defra must do more … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government highlights existing National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provisions which aim to avoid inappropriate development in flood risk areas by directing development away from high-risk zones or ensuring safety, but does not explain how *reforms* or *new leadership* will enhance this.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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18 Recommendation Rejected
Para 79

We are concerned that the words on flood risk in national planning policy still do...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response 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.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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19 Recommendation Acknowledged
Para 80

While we welcome the commitment to consider improving transparency for flood risk advice, the Government...

Recommendation
While we welcome the commitment to consider improving transparency for flood risk advice, the Government must ensure that any development which still goes ahead against advice is clearly communicated to prospective homebuyers. The Government should ensure that information on development … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government recognises the importance of transparency for homebuyers and highlights existing flood risk information tools. It commits to continually reviewing what more can be done to improve transparency and accessibility of flood risk information, but does not specifically commit to publishing details on developments approved against flood risk advice.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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20 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Para 81

It is clear that planning and risk management authorities must be empowered and resourced to...

Recommendation
It is clear that planning and risk management authorities must be empowered and resourced to effectively monitor and enforce the fulfilment of planning conditions in areas at risk of flooding. The Government should urgently review whether planning conditions to mitigate … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states it believes existing enforcement powers for planning authorities are adequate and further powers are unnecessary. However, it commits to engaging with local authorities to understand how they use their existing powers, their available resources, and barriers to effective enforcement, and will consider further action based on these discussions.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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21 Recommendation Acknowledged
Para 85

We welcome the Government’s commitment to act upon our recommendations regarding the cumulative impact on...

Recommendation
We welcome the Government’s commitment to act upon our recommendations regarding the cumulative impact on flood risk of smaller developments. While we recognise that national planning policy does refer to cumulative impacts, this has clearly not allayed concerns that these … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the potential impact of cumulative development and refers to existing planning policy. It states that future planning reforms will streamline processes and enable authorities to focus on complex applications with cumulative impacts, but does not commit to establishing the specific extent of increased flood risk.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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22 Recommendation Accepted

We are very concerned that local planning authorities lack the skills base and resources to...

Recommendation
We are very concerned that local planning authorities lack the skills base and resources to effectively factor the impacts of climate change into development decisions. While plans and individual decisions are rightly made at a local level, it is the … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government acknowledges the need for local authorities to have up-to-date flood risk information, skills, and resources, citing existing training, flood mapping services, and recent changes to permitted development rights to manage flood risk, but does not commit to the requested review of capacity or dedicated staff.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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23 Recommendation Acknowledged
Para 92

The engagement of communities in the development of local plans is already inadequate, and the...

Recommendation
The engagement of communities in the development of local plans is already inadequate, and the proposed reforms to the planning system must not compound this problem. Greater community involvement in planning decisions in many areas at flood risk would have … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government highlights its White Paper's proposals for deeper community engagement in local plan development and the statutory duties of lead local flood authorities. However, it does not commit to developing specific national guidance on incorporating local knowledge of flood risk into planning decisions and flood risk assessments, only stating it will consider content.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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24 Recommendation Accepted
Para 94

We recognise the concerns of several stakeholders about site-specific Flood Risk Assessments, and the Government...

Recommendation
We recognise the concerns of several stakeholders about site-specific Flood Risk Assessments, and the Government should use its reform of the planning system as an opportunity to investigate this issue further. The Government’s standardisation of technical supporting information should include … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating that proposed planning reforms include standardisation of technical supporting information for flood risk, and the Environment Agency is developing a new National Flood Risk Assessment to provide more accessible and trusted data by 2024.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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25 Recommendation Deferred
Para 101

A step change is needed in promoting the uptake of appropriate property flood resilience measures.

Recommendation
A step change is needed in promoting the uptake of appropriate property flood resilience measures. It is important that reforms to Flood Re to incentivise PFR form part of wider work aimed at encouraging people to improve the flood resilience … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for further action on property flood resilience and is currently running a consultation and call for evidence that cover the issues raised, stating they will review responses and provide an update on next steps, thereby deferring specific commitments.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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26 Recommendation Accepted
Para 105

It is essential that the Government works with Flood Re and the insurance industry to...

Recommendation
It is essential that the Government works with Flood Re and the insurance industry to identify and address continuing obstacles to the uptake of insurance among people at risk from flooding. The Government should set out what further research will … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government accepts the recommendation and is repeating the 2018 research into flood insurance affordability and availability for households and SMEs, with the study expected to commence in spring 2021 to inform future policy.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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27 Recommendation Rejected

We understand the Government’s argument that businesses are in a different position compared to households...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response 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.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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28 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Para 111

It is essential that work is done to improve understanding of the scale of surface...

Recommendation
It is essential that work is done to improve understanding of the scale of surface water flood risk at a national and local level. In particular, we are concerned to hear evidence of surface and foul water flooding caused or … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government commits to improving data collection and sharing through statutory Drainage and Sewerage Management Plans and an update to the Surface Water Management Action Plan, but it does not explicitly quantify its overall ambition for surface water flood resilience.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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29 Recommendation Accepted
Para 115

Water and sewerage companies have an important role to play in managing flood risk and...

Recommendation
Water and sewerage companies have an important role to play in managing flood risk and we welcome moves to put drainage planning by companies on a statutory footing. It will be necessary for other Risk Management Authorities and owners of … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government accepts the recommendation, explaining that statutory Drainage and Sewerage Management Plans will ensure co-operation through their comprehensive assessment process, existing duties for risk management authorities to cooperate, and legislation via the Environment Bill.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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30 Recommendation Deferred
Para 123

While the uptake of sustainable drainage systems has improved in recent years, we are concerned...

Recommendation
While the uptake of sustainable drainage systems has improved in recent years, we are concerned that the installation of high-quality SuDS features delivering multiple environmental benefits may still be insufficiently incentivised. The evidence we have received clearly shows that the … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government highlights existing planning policy on SuDS and mentions an ongoing research project, but defers a commitment to ending the automatic right to connect to the public sewer or consulting on Schedule 3, stating these issues are being considered by the Storm Overflows Taskforce which will report in summer 2021.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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31 Recommendation Deferred
Para 125

The Government should explain how it will promote the retrofitting of SuDS and an integrated...

Recommendation
The Government should explain how it will promote the retrofitting of SuDS and an integrated approach to water management through measures such as rainwater harvesting.
Government Response Summary
The government details its commitment to an integrated approach to water management and highlights ongoing work, including a response to a consultation on water use, a £200m innovation programme to gather evidence on flood management (including SuDS), and a commissioned research project, deferring a clear explanation of how it will immediately promote retrofitting SuDS.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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32 Recommendation Accepted

Working with natural processes is an important part of a holistic approach to flood risk...

Recommendation
Working with natural processes is an important part of a holistic approach to flood risk management. There are several initiatives that could serve as delivery vehicles for natural flood management, including the new Environmental Land Management scheme, and a catchment-based … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government accepts the recommendation, affirming its commitment to natural flood management by doubling nature-based solutions, using various funding programmes, and integrating it into the new Environmental Land Management scheme, with ongoing evaluations to influence future policy.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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33 Recommendation Accepted in Part

The Government has been clear that paying farmers for measures such as floodwater storage forms...

Recommendation
The Government has been clear that paying farmers for measures such as floodwater storage forms a key part of its plans. Any measures which call on farmers and land managers to allow their land to be used in this way … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government committed to natural flood management, including doubling relevant projects and substantial investment. It affirmed its commitment to paying farmers for public goods under new schemes, with details being developed through stakeholder engagement and outlined in the Sustainable Farming Incentive, but did not specifically address farmer involvement at every stage, long-term maintenance advice, or liability.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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34 Recommendation Accepted
Para 142

We have listened with great concern to evidence that local communities feel disengaged and ignored...

Recommendation
We have listened with great concern to evidence that local communities feel disengaged and ignored in decisions relevant to flood risk. It is clear that, where risk management authorities do engage with local people, this engagement is often not perceived … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government accepts the recommendation, committing to work with communities and the third sector to ensure meaningful community engagement in future local flood risk planning, and outlining how the Environment Agency will develop and share training resources for risk management authorities.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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35 Recommendation Not Addressed

The Government should review the institutional arrangements for community engagement in flood risk management, to...

Recommendation
The Government should review the institutional arrangements for community engagement in flood risk management, to identify best practice and opportunities for more effective approaches. The Government should also commit to ensuring that risk management authorities are resourced and supported to … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government's provided response text is identical to another committee recommendation (ID 20976) and does not address the specific recommendation about reviewing community engagement institutional arrangements or resourcing for risk management authorities and the voluntary sector.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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