Changing the way we engage in the Lower Thames

Following consultation with local authorities the Environment Agency is moving away from a single flooding forum and will now target councils individually to give them and the communities they represent a more bespoke service. A recently appointed Lower Thames Communications Officer will also help ensure that people are kept informed.

The existing Lower Thames Flood Forum (TFF) was made up of local authorities and residents groups. But attendance and frequency of meetings have steadily declined over the years and a different approach was needed. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, for example, recently rejected a motion to continue holding the forum in its current form.

Following the Pitt Review, local authorities have taken on more responsibilities in terms of flooding and it is absolutely essential that we continue to work closely together to ensure the best outcome for local people.

Ian Tomes, Area Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Flood risk to people and property remains one of our biggest challenges. It is therefore vital that, in support of the Pitt recommendations, we focus on strengthening our relationships with local authorities and share best practice in managing and reducing all forms of flood risk.

“Following consultation with the local authorities involved, we established that there was no majority support to continue with the forum.  However, it is vital that we continue to embrace and meet the original aims of the TFF and the new aims of the Pitt recommendations.

 “By working with local authorities, their officers and elected representatives in a more focused way, we can ensure that information is shared with communities through the existing channels.”