Publication of National Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England

The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England was published by the Environment Agency on 14 July 2020.  It can be found here.

The strategy will guide the operational activities and decision making of all those involved in flood and coastal erosion risk management activities, specifically it sets out practical measures to be implemented by risk management authorities, partners and communities.  It should be highlighted that this is a strategy for a length of time as it is presented as setting the long-term delivery objectives the nation should take over the next 10 to 30 years.

For those of us within the SuDS community, interest or focus on SuDS is recognised in Strategic Objection 1.4 which references the use of nature-based solutions but also Strategic Objective 2.2 which seeks to encourage environmental net gain in new development.  There are actions where we as LLFAs may contribute specifically in relation to retrofits of SuDS but also planning and coordination with biodiversity net gain actions.

This is an Environment Agency strategy but as risk management authorities our contributions to managing local flood risk and improving climate resilience is important for the Environment Agency progressing their strategic objectives.  We would encourage you to read the document and be aware of where your authorities can contribute to the delivery of the strategy.