Flood threats being ignored, says report

Local authorities are continuing to allow tens of thousands of houses to be built on floodplains, despite the growing risk of flooding…

Those were the findings of a recent report from the Committee on Climate Change, which also found a significant increase in the risk of drought across the country.

Additionally, there is now uncertainty surrounding the British Insurers’ Statement of Principles on the Provision of Flood Insurance. This statement guarantees that flood cover will be available for domestic properties and small businesses, providing that government spending on flood defences is maintained. However, with the government reducing its spend on this area, and the current statement expiring at the end of June 2013, homes and businesses could be exposed.

Lord Krebs, who headed the inquiry, called on the government to take action to head off greater problems caused by flooding. Equipping houses with sealed airbricks, raising floors and implementing SuDS were all suggested. He said: “By taking steps to manage this vulnerability, local communities, businesses and households can save money today to reduce the costs of climate change in the future.”

David Symons, director at environment consultancy WSP Environment & Energy, called for radical chance in planning policies. “Current planning policies provide too much wriggle room for local authorities,” he said. “Although local authorities do have to consider and consult on flood risk, they have the power to ignore these findings completely and grant planning permission to new developments regardless of the risks.”

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