'A backward step': MPs call for new governance model for flood management
MPs from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee are calling for an overhaul of flood management in England to tackle the rising risk to communities from climate change.
The MPs are also calling for the Environment Agency to be stripped off its flooding responsibilities.
The Committee recommends a new governance model, with a new National Floods Commissioner responsible for flood management in England.
Committee Chair Neil Parish MP said: "Our proposed model would streamline roles and pool expertise to allow bodies to deliver their unique roles. Funding would be firmly linked to outcomes: the Commissioner would hold the new English Rivers and Coastal Authority to account on whether it spends its budgets efficiently - whether by directly undertaking work or by commissioning projects from catchment partnerships or Internal Drainage Boards. New Regional Boards would enable a close link between national plans and local aims.
The CLA, which represents 32,000 landowners, farmers and rural businesses in England and Wales, has warned that MPs’ proposal to create a new national flooding authority is a 'backward step' to improving how rural land is used to help prevent flooding.
CLA President Ross Murray, who gave evidence in front of the Committee during its inquiry into flood management, said: “The proposals would risk a confused and disjointed approach at a time when people and businesses affected by flooding in both towns and countryside desperately need more investment.
“Improving how flood prevention is managed should instead focus on ensuring a more integrated governance to deliver flood prevention schemes, and makes the best use of funding.
“A single body at the national level is much better suited to balancing the need for flood prevention measures with the many other demands on rural land.
“There are a number of important recommendations in the EFRA Committee’s report that we fully support including incorporating flood risk management into the new domestic food, farming and environmental policy, required to succeed and better the CAP. Also the suggestion of a grant scheme to help small businesses undertake flood resilience measures.”
Dutch model for flood management
Last year, the National Farmers Union Deputy President Minette Batters visited the Netherlands to look at flood management around Europe.
She described the Dutch model for engagement on flood management as 'very impressive', where local voices are able to be heard.
Minette Batters, who gave evidence to the committee as part of the inquiry, said: “We fully endorse the bold suggestions by the committee to overhaul the governance and delivery of flood risk management.
“This is something our members have been calling for. However any changes, including the creation of the English Rivers and Coastal Authority focussing solely on flood risk management, must be carefully considered before implementation.
“Any change in the name, function or remit of government agencies must result in tangible benefits for farmers and other local stakeholders involved with flood risk management.
“This must include more decisions being made at a catchment level and greater opportunity for local farmers and local partners to influence where funding is spent,” Miss Batters concluded.
