UK 'better prepared' for floods

Much of the village of Catcliffe was left under water for several days

The Environment Agency is to take the lead in providing a more co-ordinated response to all forms of flooding, under plans to deal with future floods.

Until now the agency has been responsible for river flooding and, since 1 April, coastal floods.

But under the Floods and Water Bill, it will have an overview role, with local authorities taking responsibility for surface water in their own communities.

Last summer's floods claimed 13 lives and saw 44,600 homes flooded.

Yorkshire and the Humber, the Midlands and south west England were among the worst-hit regions following the wettest May to July on record.

'Vital role'

Under the plans, councils will be given powers, if necessary, to ensure that landowners and organisations fulfil their obligations to maintain drains and tackle surface water flooding.

Sir Michael Pitt, chairman of the review of the response to the 2007 floods, said planning for flooding should have the same priority as terrorism or flu prevention.

We have been taking action to ensure the country is better prepared to deal with flooding Phil Woolas Environment Minister

He also said the public should have been better prepared for last summer's floods which saw about 7,100 businesses flooded, with the damage caused costing £3bn.

Environment Minister Phil Woolas said in the wake of the deluge and in response to Sir Michael's interim report, action was being taken "to ensure the country is better prepared to deal with flooding".

"This new role for the Environment Agency will ensure a more co-ordinated response to future floods," he said.

"Local authorities have a vital role to play and under the agency's overview, they will be supported to take the lead on the ground."

The draft bill, which was announced in the draft legislative programme last month, is set to be put out to consultation next spring.