Flood Defence Policy

December 2007

1. Introduction

Purpose

1.1 This policy statement has been prepared by Waverley Borough Council to provide a public statement of the Council's approach to flood defence in its area.

Background

1.2 The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has policy responsibility for flood and coastal defence in England. However, delivery is achieved through a number of flood and coastal defence "operating authorities" i.e. the Environment Agency, local authorities and internal drainage boards. Responsibilities differ according to the type of operating authority, but are generally permissive rather than statutory, e.g. Waverley Borough Council has the power to undertake flood defence activities, but has no statutory duty to do so.

1.3 The Government has published a policy aim and three objectives for flood and coastal defence. To ensure a more certain delivery of the aim and objectives by the individual operating authorities, the Government has published a series of high level targets. The first target requires each operating authority to publish a policy statement setting out their plans for delivering the Government's policy aim and objectives in their area. This will include their assessment of flooding risk in their area and the plans for reducing or managing that risk.

1.4 This policy statement fulfils that requirement. Copies are also available from the Council's offices at The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR and on the Internet at www.waverley.gov.uk. We are also providing a copy to:-

• the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and
• the Environment Agency

Page owner: Aaron Carter. Last updated: 14/12/2010 14:41