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31/01/2012
Gov Criticised Over Flood Cuts
The Government has been criticised over its handling of flood protection, after making a 27% cut to flood protection and for being unclear on where the "buck stops".
Commenting on the Public Accounts Committee report on Flood Risk Management, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh accused the Government of playing "Russian Roulette" with people’s homes and businesses.
"The Government is passing the buck to local councils, asking them to choose between repairing roads and protecting homes from flooding. The irony is that this approach may cost more in the long run as the Environment Agency is unable to predict what schemes will proceed, which means procurement costs rise."
According to reports on Tuesday, neither of the two government bodies tasked with handling the flooding believes it's their responsibility. The report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee has criticised the coalition's steady transfer of powers from central to local government, whilst simultaneously cutting council's budgets.
Currently, neither the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Environment Agency or local councils have been officially designated with the responsibility of preparing for flooding.
(DW/GK)
Commenting on the Public Accounts Committee report on Flood Risk Management, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh accused the Government of playing "Russian Roulette" with people’s homes and businesses.
"The Government is passing the buck to local councils, asking them to choose between repairing roads and protecting homes from flooding. The irony is that this approach may cost more in the long run as the Environment Agency is unable to predict what schemes will proceed, which means procurement costs rise."
According to reports on Tuesday, neither of the two government bodies tasked with handling the flooding believes it's their responsibility. The report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee has criticised the coalition's steady transfer of powers from central to local government, whilst simultaneously cutting council's budgets.
Currently, neither the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Environment Agency or local councils have been officially designated with the responsibility of preparing for flooding.
(DW/GK)
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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.
