Latest news

20 December 2011 – The consultation exercise for the – ‘Automatic adoption arrangements for new foul sewers and lateral drains and National Build Standards for gravity foul sewers and lateral drains’ in England, has now commenced and is open until the 31 January 2012. The Welsh Government began a separate consultation about implementation in Wales on 2 November 2011 – http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside

20 December 2011 – The consultation exercise on the proposals to implement the requirements for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in new and redeveloped sites in England, which are provided for in Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) has now commenced and is due to end on the 13 March 2012. The Welsh Government will be consulting separately about implementation in Wales.

1 December 2011 – The next stage of implementation of the Flood Water Management Act 2010 (FWMA) came into force with the commencement of the remaining parts of Sections 38 and 39 (incidental flooding or coastal erosion) in England and Wales.

In addition, the regulations under sections 38(8) and 39(12), also came into force. Sections 38 and 39 allow risk management authorities to manage flooding, water levels and coastal erosion in the interests of nature conservation, the preservation of cultural heritage or people’s enjoyment of the environment or cultural heritage.

Background

The Flood and Water Management Act provides for better, more comprehensive management of flood risk for people, homes and businesses, helps safeguard community groups from unaffordable rises in surface water drainage charges and protects water supplies to the consumer.

The Act implements Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations requiring urgent legislation, following his review of the 2007 floods.

Serious flooding can happen any time. Climate projections suggest extreme weather will happen more frequently in the future.  This Act is central to reducing the flood risk associated with extreme weather.

The Act will need to be commenced by ministerial order before it comes into effect; however, it is important to recognize many of the authorities who will have new duties and powers under the Act are already getting on with managing flood risk.

National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy – England

The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England was issued on the 18 July 2011 and it provides a national framework for local communities to develop local partnerships and solutions to the flood and coastal erosion risks they face and underpins the partnership approach to funding flood and coastal resilience projects. Further information on the national strategy for England and supporting guidance is available from the Environment Agency.

Implementation in Wales

For full details of the implementation of the Act within Wales, please refer to the Welsh Assembly Government website.

Contact us

Please email floodwateract@defra.gsi.gov.uk to be added to our mailing list to be kept informed of further developments.