Added 27/7/2009

DATCHET PARISH COUNCIL

DRAFT FLOOD AND WATER MANAGEMENT BILL

RESPONSE FROM DATCHET PARISH COUNCIL

At the Parish Council meeting held on 20 July 2009 the following resolution as the Parish Councils response was approved.

1. The Parish Council welcomes the major principles in the Bill.
2. In particular it welcomes the proposed delegation of responsibilities to Local Authorities for the management of flood risk from ordinary watercourses, surface water and groundwater.
3. However we have serious concerns that our LA does not have sufficient resources to fulfil its new responsibilities. How does the Government propose to address this concern?
4. With respect to Third Party Assets and specifically question 78, the Council’s view is that there should be a duty on those responsible for third party assets to maintain them in good condition.
5. With respect to questions 79/80, the Council’s view is that the regulation of the ordinary watercourse network should be the responsibility of the Unitary Authority.
6. With respect to Statutory Nuisances and particularly questions 129 and 131 the Council’s view is the following;
   • The failure to maintain the flow of water through watercourses should be described in law as a statutory nuisance.
   • A new statutory nuisance should be created to tackle the rise of run-off flooding.
   • The statutory nuisance should be administered by the Unitary Authority.