§ Mr. BryantTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent reports she has received under her Department's high level targets for flood and coastal defence; and if she will make a statement. [78379]
§ Mr. MorleyDuring summer recess, we published three reports on the high level targets which are designed to assist in delivery of the Government's policy aims and objectives for flood and coastal defence. Copies were placed in the House Libraries. These reports relate to:
729W This report follows the one published in May of this year and shows the following improvements since the last report was compiled: The percentage of flood warnings meeting target has risen by nearly 4 per cent. from 67.6 per cent. in April 2001 to 71.3 per cent. in April 2002.
- Target 2—Provision of flood warnings;
- Target 10—Water Level Management Plans;
- Target 12—Development and Flood Risk.
- Target 2—Provision of Flood Warnings
The coverage of a direct flood warning system to properties in areas at risk of flooding has risen by 3 per cent. from 58 per cent. in April 2001 to 61 per cent. in April 2002. This is. an increase of some 57,000 properties. Since autumn 2000 a further 322,000 properties are covered by the flood warning arrangements.
Target 10—Water Level Management Plans
This report summarises the Agency's progress in developing and implementing Water Level Management Plans (WLMPs) on European sites.
Target 12—Development in Areas at Risk from Flooding
This is the first report published since PPG25 was introduced in July 2001 and is the starting point to consider whether these guidelines are working. PPG25 is due to be reviewed in 2004. Future reports will provide a clearer picture as the guidelines are embedded. In general, I am pleased to note that Environment Agency advice on flood risk developments is being accepted and followed by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs).