The Government’s National; Flood Resilience Review published yesterday has met with a mixed response from a wide range of organisations.

Campaigning environmental organisation Friends of the Earth has described the Review as a washout. Responding to the Review,Friends of the Earth campaigner Guy Shrubsole said:

 "This review suggests a sea-change in government understanding of floods, but its recommendations are a wash-out."

"£12.5m for temporary flood defences is a drop in the ocean when the review concludes that winter rainfall could increase by up to 30% in future in parts of the UK - signalling politicians' acceptance that the climate is changing radically. This is a huge increase in rainfall on top of the unprecedented extreme weather that caused such suffering last winter, and will put thousands more homes and businesses at risk.”

 "Yet the review ducks a commitment to higher long-term investment in defences, and contains nothing on working with nature to reduce flooding, such as planting trees. These are challenges Andrea Leadsom must now address, or many more households will face the misery of flooding in future."

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said:

“Leeds is barely mentioned in this report which really does smack of the government not taking the risk here seriously. The people of Leeds need the new Secretary of State to come out and confirm she will stick to the promises made to the city by her predecessor earlier this year. Namely that funding will be made available to provide protection from the River Aire upstream from Leeds Station along the Kirkstall Road corridor.”

Judith Blake said the silence on this is becoming increasingly concerning, especially as the report says flood defences for cities are now only the ‘ultimate aim’, as opposed to the ‘whatever it takes’ line previously used by government.

“As we know to our cost there has been a severe lack of long-term planning when it comes to funding for flood defences and there is nothing in this report to offer comfort on that level, “ she added.

 Review findings welcomed by built environment experts

The Institution of Civil Engineers Director General, Nick Baveystock said:

“This report rightly emphasises the need to protect critical infrastructure during extreme flooding so the public, businesses and communities can continue to function. An integrated approach to infrastructure is absolutely key to achieving this level of resilience and we are pleased this has been acknowledged."

“I also welcome the commitment to flood planning beyond 2021. Managing the effects of severe flooding is an enduring, long-term challenge. So we should ensure we back the commitment to planning with an associated long term capital and maintenance investment programme, recognising that prevention costs are one eighth of those of post flooding restoration. The Autumn Statement provides the Government with the opportunity to set this out and demonstrate that it backs words with action.”

Jane Duncan, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects said RIBA welcomed the Review, in particular its recognition of the clear need to think more strategically about how planning and urban design can help build in flood resilience into communities.

“Flood defences on their own are not enough to address increasing incidences of flooding.  It is necessary to change our perception of water as a threat to our villages, towns and cities and start thinking about the water cycle at the earliest stages of planning and design processes.”

“With the right approach, water sensitive urban design will not only help protect communities and businesses, but bring about additional social and economic benefits. We will continue to support Government in piloting this new approach through the Cumbria Floods Partnership, and would welcome the opportunity to help explore and demonstrate what can be achieved in Sheffield as part of Government’s pilot scheme. It is crucial to keep up momentum to ensure we do not continue to see lives, homes and businesses blighted by flooding in years to come.”

Jon Robinson, Director – Water, AECOM also welcomed the Review and its recognition that extreme and rare events could become more frequent due to the changing climate, saying it paves the way for a new approach to flood risk management.

“Encouragingly, it includes a commitment to an integrated, cross-sector approach to protecting critical infrastructure through closer collaboration between water, telecoms and power companies. This will help develop longer term, permanent improvements in the resilience of service provision to communities in the event of extreme flooding.”

“Ultimately, a more holistic approach that brings together multiple stakeholders working together across entire catchments is needed. Crucially, the Review makes the link between flood management, resilient infrastructure and urban regeneration. It is vital the opportunities to create social and economic value from improved flood management are maximised.”

However, he also echoed concerns with regard to funding, saying that while the Review rightly advocates a strategic, long-term approach to flood management, “our hope is that funding too will increase in real terms in recognition of its importance.”