FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A survey conducted by The Local Authority Network on Drainage and Flood Risk Management (LANDFoRM), managed by CIRIA, revealed that more than eight out of ten (1) respondents believe that local authorities are insufficiently resourced to take the lead on Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs).
Despite these concerns, approximately three quarters (2) agreed that local authorities should be responsible for coordinating SWMPs, but would require a boost in skills and resources to do so.
The survey also reveals opinions on whether SWMPs are appropriate for use on existing or new developments, how the skills gaps in this area can be bridged and how local authority capacity could be developed to address these issues.
SWMPs were one of the many recommendations resulting from Defra’s surface water management consultation and The Interim Pitt Review on last years’ flooding.
LANDFoRM’s coordinator, Paul Shaffer was clear about the implications of the survey results: “On the whole, local authorities are positive about the introduction of SWMPs but have voiced concerns about the lack of expertise and funding to handle this complex, multi-disciplinary task.”
“LANDFoRM is addressing knowledge and skills gaps by identifying opportunities for those that work in and with local authorities to share experiences and knowledge as well as disseminating good practice on flood risk management and surface water management. Solutions are often practical and highly transferable; the network provides a useful platform for this exchange and stakeholder engagement.”
To download the full survey, visit www.ciria.org/landform/
ENDS
(1) 85% of respondents agreed with the following statement:
"Most Local Authorities do not currently have the skills or capacity
for SWMP's, although they can be augmented by consultancy support. The best
way to achieve these skills would be to build up the basic
capacity with Local Authorities over the next 3 to 5 years by experience of
trial projects and exemplar schemes and full capacity within 5 to 8 years.
Authorities already with experience could help to mentor adjoining Councils."
(2) 72% of respondents agreed with the following statement: "Local Authorities, under a compulsory approach, are the body to lead on SWMP's and implementing sustainable drainage. This should be District or County level depending on the extent of the area to be managed in order to minimise cross-boundary tensions. In Growth Areas, Local Delivery Vehicles could be delegated the role of co-ordination. Participation by relevant stakeholders should be made a requirement – and adequate capacity resources need to be identified."
About LANDFoRM
LANDFoRM has been set up by CIRIA and sponsored by the Environment Agency, Interpave and Mouchel. It aims to give Local Authorities a chance to discuss and learn about sustainable SWM by identifying needs and responding with knowledge sharing and capacity building workshops and seminars.
The LANDFoRM surface water consultation 2008:
LANDFoRM contribution to Defra’s surface water management consultation
There were 107 respondents, with 77 provided by local authorities. Respondents from other organisations mainly included consultants, practitioners, regulators and other interested stakeholders.
Summary of the survey
The results of the survey provide a good insight into considerations and
practices of those working on the ground. Those that responded to the consultation
are broadly positive to the introduction of Surface Water Management Plans
(SWMPs). However, there were concerns about the availability of appropriate
resources in terms of funds, skills, experience and knowledge within Local
Authorities. There is also some uncertainty in relation to what
SWMPs could include and the interaction with spatial planning.
It was also recognised that there is considerable interaction between stakeholders, several responses highlighted the role of the Environment Agency (EA) and sewerage undertakers have in surface water management.
Supporting discussions recorded at LANDFoRM events there was also huge support for greater clarity in terms of responsibilities for surface water management and for a framework for the adoption of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) to be proactively progressed.
LANDFoRM enthusiastically supported by a Strategic Advisory Group that includes
Central
Government, local government, regulators, practitioners, researchers and other
relevant stakeholders already provides a mechanism to support Local Authorities
and facilitate a positive response to the proposals in the Improving Surface
Water Drainage consultation.
LANDFoRM would therefore welcome the opportunity to work with others to communicate
and build capacity within Local Authorities.
Contact James Milne, CIRIA, Classic House, 174-180 Old Street, London EC1V 9BP or email: press@ciria.org; tel: 020 7549 3342; web: www.ciria.org/landform