The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Flooding Expert, David Balmforth, said: "It is encouraging to see that the flood defence schemes to benefit from the additional funding allocated in the autumn have been defined. However we are still concerned that this increase in funding does not return us to the levels of investment in place prior to the 2010 cuts. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of floods, more investment will be needed just to maintain current levels of protection.
“Many communities remain exposed to flood risk and support must be available to them to help them build resilience. This includes understanding which communities face a high risk of flooding and communicating this more effectively, building the physical resilience of communities by making property and infrastructure more resistant, and where new development is proposed for flood risk areas ensuring flood resilience is at the heart of the design – not an afterthought.”
ICE undertook a review of the Flood and Water Management Act with the view to providing clarity on responsibilities, skills and funding issues. It has gathered evidence from government departments, independent witnesses and a plethora of organisations concerned with flood and coastal erosion risk management. This evidence has been used to publish a report which highlights concerns and issues that currently exist; however, the ICE is also keen to look into the opportunities that the Act provides and work alongside organisations to ensure that the transition into the modified way of delivering flood and coastal erosion risk management is efficient and effective.