Overview

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 is a UK law designed to improve the management of flood and coastal erosion risks, as well as addressing other water-related issues. It establishes national and local strategies, promotes cooperation between authorities, and introduces measures to manage water resources more sustainably.

Description

Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management

The Act introduces national strategies for flood and coastal erosion risk management in England and Wales, requiring the Environment Agency and Welsh Ministers, respectively, to develop and implement these. Local strategies are also mandated for local flood risk management. The strategies detail objectives, measures, costs, benefits, and the assessment of risks, including consideration of climate change. The Act encourages cooperation among various authorities (Environment Agency, local authorities, internal drainage boards, water companies, and highway authorities) in managing these risks.

Sustainable Drainage

The Act promotes sustainable drainage systems, aiming to reduce flood damage and improve water quality. It requires approval of drainage systems by designated authorities, adhering to national standards. It introduces a duty for local authorities to adopt approved systems under certain conditions.

Reservoirs

The Act modifies the Reservoirs Act 1975, introducing a new classification of "large raised reservoirs" and requiring their registration and potentially designation as "high-risk reservoirs" based on risk assessment. Stricter inspection, monitoring, and safety measures are implemented for high-risk reservoirs.

Other Provisions

The Act includes miscellaneous provisions relating to temporary bans on water use, regulations on infrastructure provision, concessionary charges for community groups, social tariffs for water and sewerage charges, and the abolition of the Fisheries Committee (Scotland).

Government Spending

The Act doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, it allows for grants from the Environment Agency and Welsh Ministers to support flood and coastal erosion risk management and the implementation of sustainable drainage projects. The costs associated with the development and implementation of strategies, monitoring, and enforcement activities will likely lead to increased government expenditure.

Groups Affected

• Environment Agency: Responsible for developing and implementing the national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy in England, issuing levies, and reporting on flood management.
• Welsh Ministers: Responsible for the national strategy in Wales, similar responsibilities as the Environment Agency in England
• Local Authorities: Responsible for developing and implementing local flood risk management strategies, investigating floods, and maintaining registers of structures affecting flood risk.
• Internal Drainage Boards: Involved in flood risk management within their districts, cooperating with other authorities.
• Water Companies: Must have regard to national and local strategies in exercising their functions and potentially face regulation concerning infrastructure provision.
• Highway Authorities: Involved in flood risk management, cooperating with other authorities.
• Community Groups: May benefit from reduced charges for surface water drainage under certain conditions.
• Individuals: May benefit from social tariffs on water and sewerage charges.
• Property Owners: May be affected by regulations regarding flood resistance in new buildings and alterations to existing structures.
• Reservoir Owners/Operators: Subject to new regulations and increased responsibilities regarding the registration, inspection, and safety of large raised reservoirs.

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