Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
4th Report – Flood resilience in England
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 550
Published 13 October 2025
Recommendations
2
Deferred
Amend Flood Act to establish statutory duty for authorities and empower Environment Agency oversight
Recommendation
Flood resilience must be embedded in statute as a clear responsibility, not left as a discretionary ambition. The Government should bring forward proposals to amend the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to establish a duty for all relevant authorities …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the need for long-term investment but will only consider the recommendation for resilience standards as part of an existing commitment to explore a long-term target, with a further statement planned next year. The Environment Agency will also start a review of its strategy next year to define flood resilience, while stating risk management authorities are already required to act.
24
Deferred
Current planning system builds flood risk into landscape, undermining national resilience efforts.
Recommendation
The planning system in its current form is not keeping pace with the modern realities of flooding but is instead building risk into the landscape. We recognise the need for new homes, but development should not be permitted in areas …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it will consider whether further changes are necessary to manage flood risk and coastal change when it consults on planning reform later this year.
25
Deferred
Initiate consultation on statutory requirements for cumulative flood impact assessments in plans.
Recommendation
The Government should initiate consultation on statutory requirements for assessing the cumulative impact of development on flood risk within local and regional plans by the end of 2025. These requirements should be introduced by 2027, ensuring land use policy and …
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Government Response Summary
The government will consider whether further changes are necessary to manage flood risk and coastal change when it consults on planning reform later this year. It states the Land Use Framework will set out a strategic approach for land transformation and that agricultural land is already considered in flood defence funding.
29
Deferred
Single national flood reporting and information service is a strategic necessity.
Recommendation
A single national flood reporting and information service is not just a communications improvement; it is a strategic necessity. Without a clear, accessible point of contact, the public remains confused, response is delayed, and resilience efforts are undermined. Establishing this …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the principle of improving support and coordination, stating an action group of the Floods Resilience Taskforce will identify options in 2026 for improved communication and coordination around flood reporting and information.
30
Deferred
Establish a comprehensive national flood reporting and information service by March 2026.
Recommendation
The Government should establish a single, widely promoted national flood reporting and information service by March 2026. This service should build upon and expand the existing Floodline system to provide a clear point of contact for all types of flooding, …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the need for clear flood information and improved community support, committing to establish an action group within the Floods Resilience Taskforce in 2026 to identify options for improving public communication and coordination around flood reporting.
32
Deferred
Establish a national support framework for local flood groups and volunteers by March 2026.
Recommendation
The Government should establish a national support framework for local flood groups and volunteers by March 2026. This must provide: • Core funding to cover basic operational costs, provided through local authorities or Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, • Formal …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the principle of improved support and coordination, stating an action group of the Floods Resilience Taskforce will identify options in 2026 to improve communication and coordination, building on existing work with community groups.
37
Deferred
Flood insurance system is inadequate, threatening household stability and market access without reform.
Recommendation
Flood insurance is not just a financial product but a cornerstone of household and market stability. Without reform, growing risk and the eventual withdrawal of Flood Re will leave vulnerable households uninsured, businesses exposed, and communities at risk of economic …
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Government Response Summary
The government recognises the impact of climate change on flood insurance and commits to reviewing, by the end of this Parliament, whether a return to a price-reflective market from 2039 remains viable. The review will explore how to ensure a fair, resilient, and accessible insurance system, including consideration of extending the Flood Re Scheme.
38
Deferred
Begin work on Flood Re successor to ensure continued, affordable flood insurance beyond 2039.
Recommendation
The Government should begin work with the insurance and mortgage sectors to ensure the continued availability and affordability of flood insurance beyond 2039, when the current Flood Re scheme is due to end. This should include options for a successor …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to reviewing the viability of a price-reflective insurance market beyond 2039 by the end of this Parliament. This review will explore how to ensure accessible and affordable flood insurance, including considering extending the Flood Re scheme or alternative approaches.