Fourth Report - Flooding

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.