Thursday, November 15, 2007

WARNING OVER FLOOD DEFENCE CASH DELAY

DELAYS in funding for flood defences risks a repeat of the devastation wreaked in Gloucestershire over the summer it has been warned.

In an official submission to the review by Sir Michael Pitt into the summer floods, the Local Government Association has called for action to be taken to reduce the risk of flooding.

The Prime Minister promised in July to increase funding for flood prevention from £600 million to £800 million.

But the cash will not be available until 2010/11. Council leaders have warned a three-year delay in this investment could lead to a repeat of this summer's floods, and result in higher costs for taxpayers.

It has already been warned that the extra cash promised by the Government would "primarily" be used to deal with river and coastal flooding and erosion. Much of the flooding in Gloucestershire was blamed on surface water running off.

Gloucestershire Chief Constable Tim Brian, the county council, and Severn Trent Water and Thames Water, are all due to give evidence to the separate inquiry into flooding being held by the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee next Wednesday, November 21.

Cllr Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA Environment Board, said: "Nobody wants to see a repeat of the carnage caused by last summer's floods, which ruined the lives of thousands of people and cost the economy billions of pounds.

"There is no guarantee we will not see a repeat of the heavy rainfall which led to that flooding, and so it is vital we start improving our systems and defences as soon as possible.

"The Government provided additional funding to deal with the clean-up operation over the summer.

"The Prime Minister's decision to invest more in flood defences was also a positive move, but three years is simply too long to wait.

"There is a strong and compelling case for ministers to bring forward the timetable for this investment so our villages, towns and cities are better protected."

The cost to the insurance industry of this summer's floods is estimated at £3 billion. The Association of British Insurers has warned the industry will be unable to provide cover without substantial investment to reduce the risk of flooding.

The LGA has also called for a review of the flood risk faced in the UK, the current level of preparedness, and the steps needed to tackle and adapt to it.

It is demanding funding of better flood defences, clearer roles and responsibilities for drainage, encouragement and incentives for householders to take flood precautions, stronger requirements for utilities to safeguard essential infrastructure, and tighter planning controls for building on flood plains or near rivers.

Cllr Bettison added: "Action now to improve our drainage systems and upgrade our flood defences will prevent greater damage and higher costs in the future.

"Widespread flooding has a major impact on the road and rail network, which in turn has a significant effect on UK industry and commerce.

"There is a clear need to improve flood defences around crucial infrastructure as a matter of urgency.

"The summer floods demonstrated how vulnerable we are to the loss of sub-stations and water supply, and we simply cannot wait another three years to start taking these vital precautions.

"Councils are on the front line in the fight against climate change and are committed to helping keep the places where people live and work safe from flooding."