Flood warnings system needs to be improved

The Environment Agency's review of this year's summer floods recommended that a new system be introduced so that properties were automatically registered to receive flood alerts, rather than the current voluntary approach.

The report said the Agency needed Government help so it could pre-register more people for its alert system by allowing it to use ex-directory numbers and the full electoral roll in an "opt-out approach". It claimed only 41% of people who should receive free flood warnings by phone or text were signed up to receive them.

The review also revealed that more than 35,000 homes and businesses flooded from surface water in the summer, for which there was no specific warning service.

"Warnings for surface water flooding to individual homes and properties are likely to be technically challenging and costly, but we should examine with the Met Office whether broader scale warnings about severe weather and potential floods can be provided," said the report.

Heavy demand

The Agency added that "extremely heavy demand" on its services during the summer showed how individuals and businesses depended on its website, which received four million visits, and telephone services, which received 260,000 calls.

"We need to make sure our computer and technology systems provide accurate and timely information which is readily accessible," said the report.

The review also showed that "too many" pieces of vital infrastructure and facilities - such as utilities, transport, healthcare and emergency services - were put at risk as a result of the summer floods.

The Agency called on the Government to include measures in the Climate Change Bill to ensure public and private service providers took responsibility for "climate change-proofing" critical infrastructure and facilities.

Drainage problems

Environment Agency chairman Sir John Harman said: "We need to be assured that the providers of critical public services are taking seriously their role in reducing the consequences of flooding.

"The extreme flooding showed just how poorly protected much of our vital public infrastructure is - and water and electricity supplies were particularly vulnerable."

He added that a "clear coordinating framework" to deal with flood risk from drains and sewers was urgently needed, particularly as this accounted for two thirds of properties flooded during the summer.

Commenting on the review, Association of British Insurers' director Nick Starling said: "The consensus for a new approach to managing Britain's flood risk is growing. The Government must give the Environment Agency a clear strategic role replacing the current complex system of flood management.

"We need a long-term strategy, with a comprehensive assessment of the real flood risks from rivers, drainage and coasts, and a long-term investment programme to match."