Flood Protection (Hansard, 30 March 2004)

§ Dr. Richard Taylor
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Risk Assessment for Strategic Planning database held by the Environment Agency has been updated to take account of the performance of demountable flood defences in Bewdley; and when insurers will receive these data. [163111]

§ Mr. Morley
The Risk Assessment for Strategic Planning (RASP) method was used to produce the National Flood Risk Assessment 2002. The flood probability data arising from that exercise were provided under licence to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in July 2003. That database has not been updated to take account of the successful use of demountable defences in Bewdley.
The Environment Agency is currently developing the RASP method for use for the National Flood Risk Assessment 2004. This will take into account the demountable defences at Bewdley. The EA's current plans are to make the flood probability data from this analysis of flood risk available to the ABI later this year.

§ Mr. David Atkinson
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to re-examine policy on the flood protection for1300W mobile homes in flood risk areas, with particular reference to assessment of possible benefits arising from raising the level of these homes; and if she will make a statement. [163219]

§ Mr. Morley
The Department has no current plans to re-examine the policy on flood protection for mobile homes in flood risk areas.
Defra provides funding to the relevant operating authorities for capital works where an area at risk of flooding is of sufficient national priority, and where it is possible to provide a technically sound, economically viable and environmentally sustainable scheme to reduce flood risk. For mobile home sites, one of the considerations in determining whether the cost of protection is reasonable will generally include whether it would be more cost effective for the site to be moved to a lower risk location. Clearly site owners may choose to implement measures to reduce flood risk at their own expense (subject to necessary consents) and, as landowners, they are ultimately responsible for protecting their property against flooding.
Advice to the owners of caravan parks and campsites can be found in "Planning Policy Guidance 25: Development and Flood Risk", published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. PPG25 emphasises that owners should prepare safe and effective plans for action to be taken in the event of a flood at the site and ensure that any person who resides in a caravan or tent on that site is informed of the degree of risk and the action they should take in a flood event.

§ Mr. David Atkinson
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether residents of flood risk areas are required to contribute towards the cost of evacuation, including temporary accommodation; and if she will make a statement. [155867]

§ Mr. Morley
The costs of evacuation of people from their homes because of flooding or risk of flooding is a matter for local authorities. The provision of temporary accommodation for people who have been evacuated is a matter for individuals and their insurers, although local authorities can assist in cases where there is a need for their further assistance.

§ Mr. Liddell-Grainger
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what help is being given to farmers on the Somerset levels to help with flooding under the mid-term Common Agricultural Policy reform. [161879]

§ Mr. Morley
The Somerset levels are a flood plain where flooding is part of the natural cycle.
While there is no general right to flood protection and no provision to compensate land owners or occupiers for flood damage, there are existing examples of cases where farmers have received payment for additional intentional flooding that forms a part of justified new flood defence measures. There is no intention to give farmers specific help with flooding under CAP reform.
Agri-environment schemes in the area have promoted raised water levels on some farms to enhance the habitat. Whilst this is not a specific flood management tool it can make a contribution and we intend to continue it under Environmental Stewardship from 2005.