The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has launched a new inquiry into outstanding legislative measures required to implement effective flood and water management policies in England and Wales.
The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 aimed to address issues raised by devastating floods such as those of summer 2007 which caused enormous physical and economic damage. It included measures to ensure that risk from all sources of flooding, not just rivers and seas, are managed more effectively. (The EFRA Committee's sixth report on the draft Flood and Water Management Bill was published in September 2009).
In addition, the consultation document published alongside the draft Flood and Water Management Bill raised a number of issues for further consideration which were not, in the event, included in the legislation enacted. Key issues included water management measures covered by the Anna Walker independent review of charging for household water and sewerage services concluded in December 2009 such as the potential need for water efficiency measures; and the outcome of Professor Martin Cave's, Independent review of competition and innovation in water markets published in April 2009.
The EFRA Committee is now seeking evidence from interested parties and invites submissions on:
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Which of the key issues covered by the consultation into the draft Flood and Water Management Bill and by the Walker and Cave reviews should be taken forward as legislative priorities.
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Which further policies which are required to ensure flood and water management which delivers optimum social, economic and environmental outcomes.
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Any issues related to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (including sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) and the transfer of private sewers and lateral drains).
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