Overview

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 is a UK Act of Parliament that aims to improve the management of flood and coastal erosion risks across England and Wales. It establishes national and local strategies, promotes cooperation between different authorities, and provides for better funding and management of water resources.

Description

The Act establishes a framework for managing flood and coastal erosion risks. Key aspects include:

• National Strategies: The Environment Agency in England and the Welsh Ministers in Wales must develop, maintain, and monitor national strategies for flood and coastal erosion risk management. These strategies outline objectives, measures, costs, and benefits.
• Local Strategies: Lead local flood authorities in England and Wales must develop and maintain local strategies consistent with the national strategies. These focus on local flood risks from surface runoff, groundwater, and ordinary watercourses.
• Cooperation: Relevant authorities (including risk management authorities and the Welsh Ministers) must cooperate in exercising their flood and coastal erosion risk management functions and share information.
• Funding and Levies: The Environment Agency can make grants for flood and coastal erosion risk management and issue levies to local authorities.
• Information Requests and Sanctions: The Environment Agency and lead local flood authorities can request information from individuals and businesses, with civil sanctions (fines up to £1000) for non-compliance.
• Regional Committees: Regional Flood and Coastal Committees are established to advise and consent to certain actions by the Environment Agency.
• Sustainable Drainage: The Act introduces provisions for sustainable drainage systems, setting national standards and requiring approval for new systems.
• Reservoirs: The Act amends the Reservoirs Act 1975, introducing new classifications and regulations for high-risk reservoirs.
• Other Provisions: The Act covers various other aspects of water management, including temporary bans on water use, building regulations concerning flood resistance, and the abolition of the Fisheries Committee (Scotland).

Government Spending

The Act doesn't specify exact figures for increased government spending. However, it allows for grants to be made by the Environment Agency and the Welsh Ministers for flood and coastal erosion risk management, potentially leading to increased government expenditure on these areas. The exact amount will depend on the priorities outlined in the national and local strategies.

Groups Affected

The Act affects a wide range of groups, including:

• Environment Agency: Responsible for developing national strategies, issuing grants and levies, and carrying out various functions.
• Local Authorities: Responsible for developing and implementing local strategies, investigating floods, and maintaining registers of structures affecting flood risk.
• Water Companies: Subject to regulations regarding the provision of infrastructure and temporary bans on water use.
• Businesses and Individuals: May be subject to information requests and potentially affected by flood and coastal erosion risk management activities, including changes to drainage systems and building regulations.
• Landowners: May be affected by works undertaken by the Environment Agency or local authorities and may have to obtain consent for alterations to designated structures or features.

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