Govt 'must adopt' national flood plan

Pitt Review: UK 'unprepared for flood risk'

Monday, 17, Dec 2007 12:00

The government should establish a nationwide strategy for dealing with the risk of flooding in the same way it plans for a potential terrorist attack or flu pandemic, a review of this summer's floods has concluded.

In his interim report, Sir Michael Pitt criticises the lack of a national flood emergency plan, as well as the hazy responsibility for dealing with urban floods and a lack of systematic stockpiling of emergency equipment.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has already accepted the 15 key recommendations made by Sir Michael and is studying a further 72 in more detail.

Today's interim report also highlights the lack of preparation among homeowners and warns local government and emergency services need to work together to improve knowledge and practices.

"What was surprising to me was the extent to which people, even though they are living in a flood-risk area, make assumptions that it won't happen to them," Sir Michael told BBC Breakfast.

"What we are saying in the report is there are many things that individuals can do to strengthen the resilience of their home; for example, having good insurance is an obvious thing that should be done."

Environment secretary Hilary Benn said he would work with all relevant organisations to implement the report's proposals as soon as possible.

He said: "[The report] identifies a number of urgent steps which it recommends should be taken straight away. These relate particularly to monitoring of specific flood risks, better information sharing and the practicalities of emergency response."

Mr Benn confirmed funding for flood and coastal erosion risk management will rise from its current level of £600 million to £800 million in 2010/11.

The Liberal Democrats welcomed the report, claiming the government had failed to protect against flooding.

Lib Dem environment spokesman Chris Huhne said Sir Michael's analysis presented a "devastating picture" of a government that had not protected people against the risk of flooding.

The Conservatives said the government must be prepared to learn the lessons of the summer floods.

Shadow flood minister Anne McIntosh said: "With the impact of climate change we can expect more extreme weather and periods of intensive rainfall. Therefore we must ensure that we adapt to confront these challenges."