Let the Agency do its job
CIWEM believes that it would be irresponsible to imagine that extreme weather events such as we have seen in recent weeks will not become more frequent. But preparing for climate change means dramatic changes in the way homes, businesses and roads are planned.
CIWEM expects the Government to learn from the floods, which insurers now estimate at costing £3 billion. Our fragmented approach to drainage with local councils, water companies, highway authorities and the Environment Agency all having separate roles is no longer appropriate. One solution is for the Government to give the Environment Agency responsibility for the oversight of all urban drainage issues and the whole catchment. CIWEM believes that by giving a single authority, like the Agency, a stronger voice and influence in urban planning decisions, with a presumption of proper investment, our communities will stand a better chance of becoming truly sustainable.
Nick Reeves, Executive Director of CIWEM, said “Let us allow the Environment Agency to have a much stronger voice on all proposals on urban development and housing, including building on land at risk of flooding and on the planning and management of the urban drainage infrastructure. Had the Environment Agency had this oversight function from the start, it is possible that the very worst of the floods could have been prevented.”
“Climate change is real and we need to be prepared. We must set aside the game of blame and learn the lessons for the future. That way society will be much better prepared for the next extreme weather events.”
