Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Not Addressed
Catchment-based planning inconsistently applied, poorly coordinated, and underpowered by funding
Conclusion
Catchment-based planning is widely acknowledged as the most effective and integrated way to manage flood risk, improve water quality, and deliver nature-based solutions. However, despite years of policy support, it remains inconsistently applied, poorly coordinated, and underpowered by short- term, discretionary funding. Fragmented responsibilities and the absence of statutory oversight continue to limit its reach and impact. If England is serious about long-term, preventative flood management, catchment-based planning must move from pilot to principle and be embedded as the default approach across the country. (Conclusion, Paragraph 38)
Government Response Summary
The government response refers to the existing National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy and the Environment Agency's legal duty for strategic oversight, noting the EA will review the strategy next year and restate responsibilities. However, it does not address the committee's concern about catchment-based planning remaining inconsistently applied, poorly coordinated, and underpowered.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy published by the Environment Agency sets out objectives, measures to achieve them, and responsibility for achieving objectives, including the responsibilities of all risk management authorities who must act in a manner which is consistent with the strategy. The Environment Agency is already required to exercise strategic oversight over all sources of flood and coastal erosion risk in accordance with the Flood and Water Management Act (2010). The Environment Agency has a legal duty to review the current strategy from next year. The Environment Agency will consult the Flood Resilience Taskforce on the refresh of the strategy and will use the opportunity to restate the respective responsibilities of other risk management authorities. Recommendation at paragraph 60: ‘The Government should consult on introducing a statutory duty for Fire and Rescue Services in England to respond to flooding, supported by dedicated funding for training, equipment, and operational planning. This should be undertaken by the end of 2025. This would align England with devolved administrations and strengthen national flood resilience. This should also look at making the Fire and Rescue Services a statutory consultee in planning decisions, to respond to local flooding situations.’