Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Wednesday, 2 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 November 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 10 November 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food Defences

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has made to reinforce flood defences.

Answer: The Government are committed to the effective management of flood and coastal erosion risk and has increased funding from £310 million a year in 1996–97 to £570 million. The operating authorities—the Environment Agency, local authorities and, in low-lying areas, internal drainage boards—invest a large part of this in physical flood defences as well as in other measures to manage flood risk, including flood warning systems, advice to planning authorities on proposals for development, emergency planning, public awareness campaigns etc.The Department relies on operating authorities to put forward projects and programmes of work but seeks to ensure a long term strategic perspective to this through encouragement of Shoreline Management Plans and Catchment Flood Management Plans. These are designed to develop appropriate long-term flood and coastal erosion risk management policies.Defra is leading on development of a new cross-Government Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in close consultation with stakeholders. This will take a holistic approach to management of risk from all forms of flooding (river, coastal, groundwater, surface run-off and sewer) and coastal erosion and ensure the programme helps deliver sustainable development.

Secondary information