Dear Sirs,

 My main area of interest in the Floods and Water Bill is drainage.

I would like to suggest that flood risk management is managed locally on a catchment basis and that essential work in rural areas is carried out by existing Internal Drainage Boards. We need a body that is dedicated to drainage. The Internal Drainage Boards already have good knowledge of their areas, provide good value for money and, most significantly, were not singled out for criticism by the Pitt Review.  Local authorities and water companies, as now, should manage drainage in urban areas. 

The Environment Agency has many rolls and duties, and at times some of their responsibilities must come into conflict with each other.  The EA tell us that as far as drainage is concerned, they have the powers to do anything they want to, but the duty to do nothing if they so choose.  What we need is a body that has a desire to look after our existing drainage systems, has sufficient funds to do this properly and understands how to do this cost effectively.

 Margo Voase

 River Hull Flood Action Group