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Who does what?
Defra has national policy responsibility for flood and coastal erosion risk management and provides funding through grant in aid to the Environment Agency which also administers grant for capital projects to Local Authorities and Internal Drainage Boards (collectively known as operating authorities). Defra does not build or manage flood defences nor direct the authorities on which specific projects to undertake.
Learn more about the roles the operating authorities play in flood and coastal risk management:
Other Government departments with an interest include the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for development planning policy and building regulations. DCLG also leads for the Government on helping communities to recover from flooding and provide funding to local authorities through revenue support grant.
The National Flood Forum, which receives some funding from Defra for certain activities, aims to provide an independent voice for those at risk.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Huw Irranca-Davies, is responsible for this policy area in England. The Welsh Assembly Government and Scottish Executive have similar responsibilities to Defra in Wales and Scotland.
Page last
modified: 17 December 2008
Page published: 17 December 2008