LGA response to flooding report

LGA news release - 17 December 2007

Responding to the Pitt Review into the summer floods, Cllr Paul Bettison, Chairman of the LGA’s Environment Board, said:

“Sir Michael Pitt’s report highlights a number of vitally important measures that need to be taken if we are to avoid the flooding and damage of the summer. It quite rightly draws attention to the need for a more co-ordinated and strategic approach with clearer responsibilities for all organisations and agencies.

“Councils have a vitally important role to play are ready and willing to take the lead locally and ensure our towns, villages and cities are better protected. Climate change means there is likely to be more instances of extreme weather and so it is vital action is taken now to improve our defences.

”Measures to improve our drainage systems and upgrade our flood defences will prevent greater damage and higher costs in the future. Widespread flooding has a major impact on the road and rail network, which in turn has a significant effect on UK industry and commerce.

”There is a clear need to improve flood defences around crucial infrastructure as a matter of urgency. The summer floods demonstrated how vulnerable we are to the loss of sub-stations and water supply, and we simply cannot wait another three years to start taking these vital precautions.

”The Government provided additional funding to deal with the clean-up operation over the summer. The Prime Minister's decision to invest more in flood defences was also a positive move, but it will take three years for all of that investment to be made available. There is a strong and compelling case for ministers to bring forward the timetable for this investment so our villages, towns and cities are better protected.

"Councils are on the front line in the fight against climate change and are committed to helping keep the places where people live and work safe from flooding."