Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 February 2014
Environment Agency Issues Severe Flood Warnings
The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings are in place for Somerset today as successive bands of rain show no signs of easing. Further heavy rainfall is expected today, Friday and Saturday, exacerbating the risks of flooding from rivers and surface water across the south west, central and south east of England.
Environment Agency Issues Severe Flood Warnings
The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings are in place for Somerset today as successive bands of rain show no signs of easing. Further heavy rainfall is expected today, Friday and Saturday, exacerbating the risks of flooding from rivers and surface water across the south west, central and south east of England.
11 February 2013
Flood Alerts Follow Snowfall
The UK Environment Agency has issued flood warnings across Britain, following another night of heavy snow. Some parts of the country woke to over 10cm (4in) of snow on Monday morning. Most areas have been covered in a white blanket at least 5cm deep.
Flood Alerts Follow Snowfall
The UK Environment Agency has issued flood warnings across Britain, following another night of heavy snow. Some parts of the country woke to over 10cm (4in) of snow on Monday morning. Most areas have been covered in a white blanket at least 5cm deep.
19 December 2012
Environment Agency Issues Flood Warnings
The Environment Agency is warning communities across England and Wales to remain vigilant and alert for flooding as heavy rain is expected today and into Thursday.
Environment Agency Issues Flood Warnings
The Environment Agency is warning communities across England and Wales to remain vigilant and alert for flooding as heavy rain is expected today and into Thursday.
13 October 2005
Birmingham struck by second tornado
Birmingham is believed to have been struck by another tornado as severe weather continued to affect the UK. A roof was ripped off a house in Dovey Road, Moseley by the high winds and a nearby road was closed when it became littered with debris. It is understood that no one was in the house at the time and there were no reports of injuries.
Birmingham struck by second tornado
Birmingham is believed to have been struck by another tornado as severe weather continued to affect the UK. A roof was ripped off a house in Dovey Road, Moseley by the high winds and a nearby road was closed when it became littered with debris. It is understood that no one was in the house at the time and there were no reports of injuries.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
