This consultation invites views on our draft sustainable development guidance for Local Flood Authorities.

Section 27 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 states that a lead local flood authority, district council, internal drainage board or highways authority must aim to make a contribution towards the achievement of sustainable development when exercising a flood or coastal erosion risk management function.  The Act requires the Secretary of State to issue guidance about how authorities are to discharge this duty. This draft guidance has been developed for that purpose.

This consultation will be of particular interest to local flood authorities (county councils, unitary authorities, district councils, internal drainage boards, highway authorities) who exercise a flood or coastal erosion risk management function.  It also seeks the views of the wider community who have an interest in sustainable development including individuals, consultants, NGOs and Agencies.

In particular the consultation is interested in identifying how flood authorities can most effectively contribute to sustainable development and how this should be reflected in the guidance.  The guidance references other sources of information and seeks feedback on what further information and support authorities could draw on.

Consultation: Future funding of flood and coastal erosion risk management in England

This consultation invites views on potential reforms to the way in which capital grant-in-aid is allocated to projects in England in order to manage the risk of flooding and coastal erosion.

The current funding system means that the costs of risk management are almost entirely borne by the general taxpayer.  This limits how much can be achieved as well as creates potential for inequity within the system.  The use of taxpayer funding also limits the extent to which local communities can influence priorities for national expenditure.

A different system is proposed whereby national budgets are no longer focused on the costs of managing risk, but instead pay for a share of the benefits delivered when risk management outcomes are achieved.  Where benefits and outcomes significantly outweigh the costs involved, projects may remain fully-funded by Government.  In other cases, schemes would still go forward over time if costs are reduced or sufficient other funding can be found.  Those most at risk and living in the most deprived areas would continue to be the focus for Government support.

Overall, it is hoped that more projects would proceed than under the current system.  This would mean more communities could enjoy the benefits of protection against flooding and coastal erosion.

This consultation will be of particular interest to the risk management operating authorities in England (Environment Agency, lead local flood authorities, drainage authorities including internal drainage boards, and coast protection authorities) as well as other professional flood risk management partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors.  It will also be of interest to communities, businesses, land owners and others living, working or operating in areas at risk of flooding and coastal erosion.