§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on flood relief, and how this will be funded in future. [123390]
480W
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government's policy is to reduce the risks to people and the developed and natural environment from flooding and coastal erosion by encouraging the provision of technically, environmentally and economically sound and sustainable defence measures. The flood and coastal defence operating authorities (the internal drainage boards Environmental Agency, and local authorities) undertake these measures. In April 2000 the Government put in place a series of High Level Targets to help achieve a more certain delivery of its policies by the operating authorities. The Government have also set out a priority for the Environment Agency to work with other bodies, including local authorities and the emergency services, in achieving a seamless and integrated service of flood forecasting, warning and response.
The two main sources of funding for flood and coastal defence are (a) Ministry contributions towards approved capital schemes undertaken by the operating authorities and (b) that delivered to local authorities through the local government finance mechanisms. The latter is used to fund the levies that local authorities pay to the Environment Agency and internal drainage boards, as well as their own spend on flood and coastal defence. A review of the current funding mechanisms is currently being conducted.
Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Government increased the funding available from the Ministry by £23 million over three years from 1999–2000, to a total of £230 million. The Government have also increased flood defence Standard Spending Assessments beyond inflation. Future funding levels depend on decisions to be taken in the Spending Review later this year.