2009-06-24

By Editor, CIR

The government has published guidance for operating authorities and others involved in managing flood and coastal erosion risk.

Issued by Defra, Policy Statement on Appraisal of Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management is the result of a public consultation in 2008 and has a number of aims:

-A greater focus on early engagement with the community and social factors; including better assessment of impacts on health, community well-being and social justice. It seeks to support the development of options that attract other sources of funding, to leverage Government investment and increase local and regional benefit

-A more thorough and balanced appraisal of a wider range of possible approaches including adaptation where it is not feasible to reduce the probability of flooding and erosion from occurring

-A transparent framework for decision making to ensure that taxpayers' investment represents good value for money

-A greater emphasis on flexibility for the future, such as being able to adapt solutions over time as the climate changes

The policy statement has been published following a public consultation in 2008.

The Environment Agency last week published two reports on flood and coastal erosion risk management, Flooding in England and A Long Term Investment Strategy for England in which it called for flood protection funds to double to £1 billion a year by 2035 to protect the one in six homes at risk of flooding in England.

Home     More News


Other stories you may find of interest:

Energy bill set to increase dramatically for UK businesses
Over 20,000 UK companies are to face increases in overall energy costs of at least £55,000 from next year, insurer RSA says

Food security risk: USA most stable
A new Food Security Risk Index shows the USA as the world's most stable food supplier

Bank boards to face increased risk responsibilities
A review of corporate governance in the UK banking industry may bring sweeping changes to the way banks are run