Increased investment in flood infrastructure - with contributions from insurance companies - and more robust, realistic planning policies must be implemented soon or more UK homeowners will soon be in over their heads, warns the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).

The Environment Agency is warning that flood risk remains despite rainfall easing -this morning’s Met Office forecast says that in parts of South Wales and South West England the amounts and intensity of rain may be enough to cause further flooding. The Agency is closing the Thames Barrier for this morning's tide in London to reduce the flood risk from the river after heavy rain.

A key part of the eagerly-awaited £21 million flood alleviation scheme for Morpeth has been approved by the local planning authority.

A £5m pilot fund for communities devastated by flooding or for those who are at risk has been launched today by Environment Minister Richard Benyon to protect their homes and businesses.

As Britain is gripped by a floods crisis, drainage experts are warning that Government indecision and inertia is seriously delaying vital work to protect thousands of homes and properties in the UK. Alex Stephenson, Director of Hydro International’s Stormwater division and Chair of the British Water Focus group for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) looks at the implications.

The Association of British Insurers has described flooding as the biggest climate change risk now facing the UK.