RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT FLOOD AND WATER MANAGEMENT BILL

In my opinion flooding has become one of the major problems that exists within the UK today.  In order to help solve this very serious issue funding must be made available now before many more lives are lost, family life is disrupted and businesses are affected.

The Bill is very lengthy and covers many aspects, taking into account both inland and coastal issues, regarding floods and water management.  However, my main concern is that there appears to be no or little provision for funding to implement this Bill once it becomes an Act. 

Both the Environment Agency and Local Government have been given greater powers but no funding for implementation of those powers.  In particular, much more power is to be passed to Local Authorities.  This would result in an enormous amount of extra work for the Local Authorities concerned and, it appears, without the funds to back up that additional power and consequent workload, little would actually be achieved. 

The Bill does not go far enough to ensure that consultation on all issues is accomplished with local people.  There is no point in giving the Environment Agency and Local Authorities the power to deal with the issues without consulting local people.  It is those local people, in many cases the ones who have been flooded, who have the knowledge of what has happened in the past on the ground.  This was shown clearly in Hull recently where the Environment Agency admitted it had halted its plans in order to look more closely at the issues in close consultation with local people.

It was stated clearly in the Pitt Review that local people must be consulted at all levels. 

The Bill states that effective drainage reduces the probability of flooding.  However, there is still no DUTY to maintain them.  This must be essential. 

The Bill also states that in order to minimise the risk of flooding both ordinary watercourses and main rivers must be properly maintained.  Therefore it must be made clear that appropriate parties are given not only the power but also the DUTY to maintain them.

Also, the Bill does not impose the DUTY on riparian owners and other owners to keep their structures in good order. 

Unless it is clear that appropriate parties have been granted not only the power but that it is also their DUTY to carry out whatever is necessary in order to minimise the risk of flooding the proposed new legislation will not succeed.

I speak with concern as a resident who was flooded and lives in fear of the same thing happening again. 

It would be pointless implementing a new Act of Parliament unless it is followed through with both the funding and the duty by the parties concerned to carry out that Act.

Please pass this on to any colleagues and Committees dealing with these issues. 

I would be grateful if you would acknowledge receipt of this email.

 

Gillie Bolton (Mrs)

23^rd July 2009