What does the new law mean to District Councils?

You may recall our Technical Bulletin about Sir Michael Pitt's Review of the Summer 2007 floods. The Flood and Water Management Act which incorporates many of Pitt's recommendations is now law.

Funding will be allocated on an area basis by DEFRA to the lead Authorities, usually the County Councils.

District Councils MUST:

• Collaborate with others to produce local strategies for managing flood risk.
• Contribute to developing the Map of Flood Risk and Drainage Assets
• Compete with other Districts for limited funds

District Councils MAY HAVE TO:

• Implement a flood reporting system and prioritize local flooding problems for improvement
• In addition, local Planning policies may be significantly affected by these flood risk strategies

The Pitt Report recognised that expertise may have been lost:
"Over the last twenty or thirty years have seen the technical departments of local authorities significantly diminished."
"Local Authorities need the capability and powers to commission expert advice and to ensure that local communities are properly protected."
"Local Authorities should assess and, if appropriate, enhance their technical capabilities to deliver a wide range of responsibilities in relation to local flood risk management."

To address the shortfall District Councils can call upon The Stilwell Partnership, which has a number of ex-District Council drainage engineers, who are experienced in the development and implementation of flood alleviation schemes for Local Authorities.

The Stilwell Partnership was probably the first to be involved in the early implementation of the Pitt recommendations for Cheltenham. Our low-cost scoping report identified the resources required for Cheltenham Borough Council (in Gloucestershire - where severe flooding had taken place) to meet the requirements of the new Act.

We can represent District Councils' interests, and provide detailed technical solutions to your local flooding issues. Contact Nick Stilwell now for a free consultation. Phone 0333 700 4001 or email Nick personally.