The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will hold a one-off evidence session on flooding, from 14.30 on Tuesday 20 February.

The session will explore how flooding risks and impacts are expected to change as a result of climate change, the deterioration of flood defence assets and other causes.

The Committee will examine how the Government, the Environment Agency and other risk management authorities will work together, along with private landowners such as farmers, to combat increasing risks in the future.

MPs are likely to ask whether the appropriate strategies or mechanisms are in place to ensure that future homes are more resilient against flooding, for example through the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems, Natural Flood Management and appropriate land use.

The session will also investigate whether the level of public investment for flood defences is sufficient, in light of a recent National Audit Office report which highlighted that the current main investment programme for flooding defences is expected to “better protect” 40% fewer properties than originally expected.

The Committee will examine whether levels of investment can be improved, and will consider the potential for encouraging more private businesses and citizens to invest in flood protections.

The following witnesses will appear before the Committee from 14.30pm onwards:

• Julie Foley, Director, Environment Agency
• Tracey Garrett, Chief Executive, National Flood Forum
• Martin Lines, Chief Executive, Nature Friendly Farming Network
• Councillor Emily O'Brien, Deputy Chair, LGA's People & Places Board, Local Government Association

Click here to watch the evidence session next week live on Parliamentary TV