Mark Whitehead 22 December 2016

Lack of Whitehall policy preventing ‘natural' flood management methods

The lack of a clear government policy is holding up 'natural' methods of flood management, according to campaigners.

Engineering Nature’s Way says the lack of a framework for the maintenance and performance of 'sustainable drainage systems' (SuDS) is seen by professionals as a barrier to their effective delivery and adoption.

The group's survey revealed that four in five respondents working with SuDS believed the UK government was not fully committed to the long-term delivery of a sustainable flood defence.

Nearly three quarters said it had not committed sufficient funds for satisfactory flood resilience, while more than two thirds believed uncertainty around the maintenance and through-life performance of SuDS components was 'presenting barriers to adoption'.

Phil Collins, European sales director of water management company Hydro International, said: 'Strong concerns were expressed about the lack of a clear national framework for maintenance and adoption, together with uncertainty over which authorities or organisations should be liable for SuDS components over their lifecycle.

'Comments suggested a lack of confidence amongst some authorities about taking over ownership of SuDS from developers.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Housing Assurance Service Manager

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£55,675 - £56,649
We’re building a brand-new assurance team in our Homes & Neighbourhoods service Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Trainee Public Health Practitioner

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£24,404 - £24,790
Working within the Kirklees Public Health Improvement team Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Climate Change Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£40,476 - £42,708
Are you a passionate and enthusiastic Climate Change Officer Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Transition Home Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 13 £45,718 - £49,764 (Pay Award Pending)
Could you support young people to realise their individual potential and prepare them for their journey towards independence. NOT JUST A PLACE OF WOR Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SEND and Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker (Communication and Interaction Team)

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
We are recruiting a SEND & Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker to join our Specialist SEND & Inclusion Team. We would be particularly intereste Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner