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During non-drought periods a team of three deals with water resource management plans, drought plans and Water Act issues, supported by senior management and with specialist input.In line with the Department's aim of resourcing changing priorities flexibly, during the current drought this core team has been strengthened so that it has approximately doubled in size. This is kept under review to ensure adequate resourcing throughout the period. In addition, a number of officials from other parts of DEFRA's business (e.g. farming) are involved in drought related activities.The Environment Agency has deployed a significant number of officials, both centrally and in the regions, to deal with the current drought situation.DEFRA is also working closely with the water industry, stakeholders, and other Government Departments through a National Drought Group, supported by specialist sub-groups and weekly meetings. |