The LGA has long called on the Government and the insurance industry to come to a new deal on providing affordable cover to those living in areas of high flood risk.
Key messages
It is vital that investment in capital and maintenance is joined-up and planned together as part of a long-term approach to reducing flood risk. This will ensure that the most efficient use is made of public sector investment and help to avoid the difficulties associated with finding enough funding for the maintenance, improvement and replacement of flood risk assets.
Capital and revenue funding should be devolved into a local place-based ‘pot' to help manage coastal flood risk. This would provide increased flexibility to target funding according to local priorities and support councils, the Environment Agency and Internal Drainage Boards in working together to ensure effective arrangements for maintenance locally.
Priority should be given to upgrading existing water and sewerage infrastructure if it is to cope with increasingly volatile weather. Investment in new reservoirs, drains and pipes is also needed to ensure that new housing is protected against flooding.
The LGA has long called on the Government and the insurance industry to come to a new deal on providing affordable cover to those living in areas of high flood risk. It is important that the new Flood Reinsurance Scheme is in place as soon as possible, and for insurance companies to continue to meet commitments to existing customers under the old Flood Insurance Statement of Principles agreement.