Overview

The Rivers Authorities and Land Drainage Bill aims to establish new "rivers authorities" in England, responsible for managing flood risk and cooperating with existing authorities. It also makes changes to how internal drainage board expenses are calculated, particularly concerning the valuation of land.

Description

This bill introduces several key changes:

Rivers Authorities

The bill empowers the Secretary of State to create new bodies corporate called "rivers authorities" through regulations. These authorities will have specified geographical areas, covering one or more local government areas in England. Their functions include planning flood risk management activities, advising on cooperation between relevant authorities, and potentially funding or undertaking these activities themselves. The bill outlines the authorities' composition, proceedings (following much of the Local Government Act 1972), and financial administration. A national framework will guide their operations.

Internal Drainage Boards

The bill amends the Land Drainage Act 1991, allowing for regulations to determine the valuation of land within internal drainage districts for expense apportionment purposes. This includes the ability to use estimates or averages and to specify different methods for different circumstances.

Revenue and Customs Information

The bill allows for the disclosure of Revenue and Customs information to specific bodies and individuals for purposes related to drainage rates and levies. This includes safeguards for onward disclosure.

Valuation of Agricultural Land

The bill introduces an alternative method for calculating the annual value of agricultural land within internal drainage districts, allowing for regulations to define this process.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify the overall cost. However, it will likely lead to increased government spending in setting up and funding the new rivers authorities and associated administrative costs. The exact financial implications will depend on the regulations that are implemented.

Groups Affected

• Local Government Areas in England: May see their responsibilities regarding flood risk management altered depending on the establishment of rivers authorities within their boundaries.
• Internal Drainage Boards: Will be affected by the new regulations for valuing land, impacting their expense apportionment and rate setting.
• Landowners: The changes to land valuation may affect how drainage expenses are levied on their properties.
• Relevant Risk Management Authorities: Will need to cooperate and potentially share functions with the new rivers authorities.
• HM Revenue and Customs: The bill impacts their information disclosure policies in relation to drainage assessments.
• The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Body for Wales: These bodies have roles in the processes and regulations set out in the bill.

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