Environment Agency Needs More Power to Combat Flooding - Huhne

12.00.00am GMT Thu 6th Dec 2007

Chris Huhne has commented on the Environment Agency's comprehensive review of this summer's floods which was published today, which highlighted issues such as complex responsibilities for flooding from drains and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.

The review, which makes 33 recommendations, is supported by six case studies and 100 internet pages describing the scale of the summer floods and its impacts - which saw more than 55,000 homes and businesses flooded, the greatest number of search and rescue missions in the country since the Second World War, and insured losses approaching £3 billion.

Chris Huhne MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said:

"The Government must listen to the Environment Agency and give it a strategic overview of flood management.

"It is a dreadful indictment of the lack of joined up government, and the lack of continuity at Defra, that two years after promising to give overall strategic authority to the Environment Agency it has still not happened.

"The summer floods cost the country over £3 billion. Ministers must invest more in drainage and flood defences to reduce the impact of floods in future.

"Nearly 150,000 homes were left without water for over a week this summer. The Government must guarantee that utility companies will protect critical infrastructure and ensure temporary defences are better coordinated.

"Millions of people in Britain who live in urban areas with old Victorian drainage systems are at the mercy of climate change. However, there are basic common sense measures that can prevent flooding and ensure our response to natural disasters is timely, efficient and joined-up.

"The Environment Agency, insurers and communities are crying out for action. When will Defra take the steps that are needed?"