MANAGING FLOOD RISK

That this House notes that the flooding in the summer of 2007 was a result of a combination of factors including exceptionally heavy rainfall on already saturated land, poor maintenance and dredging of rivers, inadequate drainage to cope with surface water run-off, an increase in the amount of impermeable surfaces, and insufficient flood defences in vulnerable areas; notes that the National Audit Office report found that only 61 per cent. of flood defences were in good condition or better in 2007; recognises the increased number of insurance claims since the flooding in June and July of 130,000 claims, at a total estimated cost of £3bn; is concerned that new developments are still being situated in floodplains; is alarmed there is no clear responsibility for surface water flooding; and calls on the Government to work to prevent such catastrophic flooding again by ensuring sufficient drainage, consultation of water companies before a new development takes place, and better co-ordination of decision-making in the event of flooding.