Floods: Environment Agency Action Plan (Hansard, 9 February 2000)

§ Baroness Hayman

While there were no further specific actions timed for completion by the end December 1999, the Environment Agency has nevertheless kept the Ministry informed of progress up to that date.

For flood forecasting, all the Environment Agency's regions are working on delivering the first phase of their hydrometric monitoring network improvement programmes by April 2000.

The work relating to flood warning is progressing well. The National Flood Warning Centre is established and the necessary relationships with other national bodies are being actively developed.

Flood risk maps have been produced and were disseminated to local planning authorities and emergency planners in September 1999. The agency is using the maps to identify high-risk properties on a consistent basis to aid targeting of direct warnings and public awareness material. Local authorities are using the maps for both development control and emergency planning purposes. The information in the maps will be made publicly available so that people can make informed decisions about flood risks.

The agency has further improved liaison arrangements with local authorities and emergency services at both local and national level to ensure effective response to flooding incidents.

A flood warning public awareness campaign commenced in October. Plans are being developed for revised flood warning codes to be introduced in September 2000, with appropriate publicity.

Visual inspection of all flood defences continues against a deadline of April 2000. The agency has set up meetings to resolve isolated problems where local authorities have not always been able to identify the location of defences on ordinary watercourses.

The agency continues its work in implementing the recommendations in the independent report on its management and skills.

We are pleased to note the agency's continuing progress in implementing the Easter Floods report, contributing to achievement of the ministerial priority of a seamless and integrated service of flood forecasting, warning and response.

We shall ensure that the House is updated on progress in implementing the final phases of the action plan, including the introduction of new flood warning codes in September 2000.