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30/07/2010
Funding Boost For Flood Risk Assessments
A £2 million boost for funding to help local authorities deal with flood risk assessments has been announced by Environment Minister Richard Benyon as part of a package of measures to help prevent and manage future flooding.
The additional funding will help local authorities identify areas where there is a significantly high risk of flooding and where maps and action plans for flooding are required.
The National Flood Emergency Framework was also published today - this provides guidance and advice for councils and others on planning for and responding to floods. The Framework will be a 'one stop shop' reference point on flood planning and will be updated on a regular basis.
Environment Minister Richard Benyon said: "Dealing with flooding is a matter that this government takes very seriously and our Structural Reform Plan launched earlier this month commits us to implementing the findings of the Pitt Review to improve our flood defences.
"Local authorities clearly have a vital role in managing flood risk and we aim to give them all the support we can, not only through funding for defences, but also by providing guidance on planning for a flood and training for staff."
Speaking at the Local Government Flood Forum today, Richard Benyon also announced the publication of a draft strategy for building local authority skills and knowledge in flood risk management.
The strategy has been developed in partnership with the Local Government Association, Environment Agency and other key players. Defra has already been working with the Environment Agency in getting local authority staff trained - 22 trainees are completing the first year of their foundation degree and another 25 are due to start in September.
Richard Benyon also announced that Defra is planning two consultation later this year - one to establish national standards for sustainable drainage systems, and another to transfer the ownership of private sewers to water companies, as welcomed by the Pitt Review.
(KMcA)
The additional funding will help local authorities identify areas where there is a significantly high risk of flooding and where maps and action plans for flooding are required.
The National Flood Emergency Framework was also published today - this provides guidance and advice for councils and others on planning for and responding to floods. The Framework will be a 'one stop shop' reference point on flood planning and will be updated on a regular basis.
Environment Minister Richard Benyon said: "Dealing with flooding is a matter that this government takes very seriously and our Structural Reform Plan launched earlier this month commits us to implementing the findings of the Pitt Review to improve our flood defences.
"Local authorities clearly have a vital role in managing flood risk and we aim to give them all the support we can, not only through funding for defences, but also by providing guidance on planning for a flood and training for staff."
Speaking at the Local Government Flood Forum today, Richard Benyon also announced the publication of a draft strategy for building local authority skills and knowledge in flood risk management.
The strategy has been developed in partnership with the Local Government Association, Environment Agency and other key players. Defra has already been working with the Environment Agency in getting local authority staff trained - 22 trainees are completing the first year of their foundation degree and another 25 are due to start in September.
Richard Benyon also announced that Defra is planning two consultation later this year - one to establish national standards for sustainable drainage systems, and another to transfer the ownership of private sewers to water companies, as welcomed by the Pitt Review.
(KMcA)
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05 November 2014
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The National Audit Office (NAO) has warned that the UK's flood defences are likely to "deteriorate faster" as the money being spent on maintaining them is "insufficient". A report from the NAO claims that half of the country's defences received a "minimal level" of maintenance which was insufficient to secure homes.
NAO Say Govt Flood Defence Spending 'Insufficient'
The National Audit Office (NAO) has warned that the UK's flood defences are likely to "deteriorate faster" as the money being spent on maintaining them is "insufficient". A report from the NAO claims that half of the country's defences received a "minimal level" of maintenance which was insufficient to secure homes.
10 February 2014
UK Floods: Disaster Continues And Thames Reaches Record Levels
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11 July 2012
CCC Warns Of Dangers Of Cutting Flood Defence Budget
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08 March 2012
Homeowners Should Invest In Their Own Flood Defences
The government has said that households at risk of flooding should take on the responsibility of preventing future damage to their homes. This is despite the fact that such precautions may not reduce the cost of their home insurance or that they would even be able to buy flood cover.
Homeowners Should Invest In Their Own Flood Defences
The government has said that households at risk of flooding should take on the responsibility of preventing future damage to their homes. This is despite the fact that such precautions may not reduce the cost of their home insurance or that they would even be able to buy flood cover.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
