Fourth Report - Flooding

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.