The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and local authorities are calling on the public and businesses to share their opinions on the most comprehensive assessment of flood risk, and its impacts, ever compiled in Scotland.
The organisations have launched a joint consultation, to help shape the future direction and delivery of flood risk management in the country.
The most sustainable combination of actions to help tackle flooding, in areas identified as being at the greatest risk across Scotland, are detailed in the consultation alongside information on where they believe they can gain the most benefits from taking action.
Members of the public and businesses have until Tuesday 2 June to comment on the consultation. All responses will help inform the final flood risk management strategies and local flood risk management plans.
Scotland has been divided into 14 Local Plan Districts for flood risk management purposes. Following feedback from the consultation SEPA are planning to publish a flood risk management strategy for each of the 14 Local Plan Districts In December 2015. Each strategy will confirm the immediate priorities for flood risk management as well as set out the future direction to be taken by all responsible authorities.
Dr David Pirie, SEPA's Executive Director, said:
"This consultation is an important opportunity for people across Scotland to have their say on how flood risk is managed in the future.
"The main flooding issues and flood impacts across Scotland are set out in the consultation with a vision for how flooding should be managed. We have been working closely with local authorities to identify the most suitable actions to manage flood risk, and this is targeted towards areas where it will be most effective based on improved knowledge of the sources and impacts of flooding.
"We would encourage people who are interested in tackling flooding and reducing its impacts on communities across Scotland to get involved and make sure your views are heard by taking part in this consultation."
The co-ordinated approach to Flood Risk Management Planning has been driven by the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 (FRM Act) which has encouraged more partnership working between public bodies with a responsibility to raise awareness of flood risk in Scotland (SEPA, local authorities, Scottish Water, the National Park Authorities and Forestry Commission Scotland) and a greater wealth of knowledge and understanding of how flooding can be managed proactively.
The 'lead local authority' within each Local Plan District will co-ordinate and support the production of the Local Flood Risk Management Plan. Each 'lead local authority' will publish delivery plans in June 2016 clearly setting out how actions to manage flood risk will be co-ordinated, funded and delivered between 2016 and 2022.
Click here to access the consultation online
Diary date: In partnership with the Environment Agency, the Flood Expo which takes place in London on 14th and 15th October presents solutions to widespread flooding problems from the UK’s leading flood prevention companies, alongside an extensive seminar and workshop schedule highlighting new, cost-effective ways to prevent and manage floods. Click here for more information.
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