Introduction to Flood Management &
Local Authority Responsibilities 

As part of our new series of training on “Water Management in a Changing Climate” CLASP and The Environment Agency invite you to join us for an introductory session looking at flood management in the North West, and in particular the evolving role of local authorities in managing and responding to this risk.

This session is particularly aimed at sustainability officers, planning officers and members who may not be directly involved in flood management but who would like to better understand this issue and its growing importance.

Draft Agenda

Chair Person: Steve Moore Director NW, Environment Agency

Flooding and the North West
John Lymer, Environment Agency                                                             

• Overview of flood risk in the NW from different sources
• The Environment Agency’s role for rivers and the sea
• The role of Catchment Flood Management Plans, Strategies and Schemes
• How flood risk may increase due to climate change
• What we can do to manage the risk
• Coastal erosion risk and Shoreline Management Plans

Role of Local Authorities as Lead Local Flood Authorities
Nigel Worthington, Environment Agency                                                 

• Flood and Water Management Act 2010
• Flood Risk Regulations
• Partnership working
• Funding
• Sustainable Drainage Systems, Asset Registers, Consenting & Enforcement, Designating Features, Investigating Floods ….
• Local Flood Risk Management Strategies - mandatory
• Surface Water Management Plans – subject to available funding

Surface Water Management Plans – Local Authority Perspective  
Graham Lymbery,  Sefton Council                                                             

• 8 SWMPs in the North West
• What is a SWMP?
• The Partnership/Steering Group
• The Wheel
• Example outputs from different stages of the Plan
• Issues arising
• Next steps

Communicating in an Emergency – Local Authority Emergency Planning
Chris Shuttleworth, Ribble Valley Council, Lancashire Resilience Forum, Vice Chair Telecommunications Group

• Myths and misunderstandings
• Resilient telecommunications
• Communicating in a crisis
• Business continuity

NW Case Study – Flooding & Recovery in Cockermouth
Les Tickner, Allerdale Council                                                                   

• Cause of flooding
• Immediate impacts
• Longer term impacts and recovery
• Impacts on the community
• Response of the community
• Various roles played by the local authority
• Flood management changes made
• Future vulnerability
• Insurance gaps