Defra has published an outline of a proposed new National Flood Emergency Framework. This fulfils a commitment made by Hilary Benn on 25 June 2008, following the publication of Sir Michael Pitt's final independent report into the summer 2007 floods.
In line with Sir Michael's recommendations, the proposed framework, on which there will be public consultation, will bring together information, guidance and key policies in a single strand of planning. It will provide a resource for all of the organisations involved in planning for, and responding to, major flooding incidents.
The consultation sets out updated appraisal policy guidance from Defra reflecting the strategic and policy principles of first Government response to the Making Space for Water (MSW) consultation (March 2005). Making Space for Water proposed that more concise appraisal policy guidance should be issued by Defra and best practice implementation guidance issued by the Environment Agency in collaboration with other operating authorities. The new policy guidance from Defra and the practitioner guidance from the EA will replace the existing Flood and Coastal Defence Project Appraisal Guidance (FCDPAG) volumes 1-5.
The new guidance takes account of research undertaken to support appraisal policy development and current best practice in flood and coastal erosion risk management and wider policy areas including new EU legislation such as the Water Framework Directive and the Directive for the assessment and management of flood risk.
The new policy is a concise restatement of the requirements of appraisal for flooding and coastal erosion risk management together with updated appraisal policy reflecting the strategic and policy principles of first Government response to the Making Space for Water consultation (March 2005). Practitioner guidance for the implementation of the appraisal policies will be provided by the Environment Agency, in association with other operating authorities by the end of 2008
Defra are seeking comments on the consultation by 31st October 2008.
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise.
Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers.
Barhale has completed work on two separate Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects it is carrying out for Severn Trent.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.