Flood report: Government must act now

A new report published this week by Sir Michael Pitt highlights the need for urgent action if the UK is to avoid future disasters similar to last summer’s widespread flooding.

The Pitt Review, which was commissioned by the government, makes 92 recommendations to be carried out within the next two years.

Focusing on the need to manage the effects of climate change now and into the future, the review says that Parliament must act now if future climate change disasters are to be avoided.

Advice includes establishing a national flood warning centre, creating a nationally co-ordinated flood rescue system, and protecting the country’s critical infrastructure, such as power stations, key transport routes, and water treatment plants, from flooding.

Pitt warns that if the government refuses to make drastic changes, then flooding could end up costing the UK £27 billion every year. The current average figure is £1 billion per year.

Insurance companies have welcomed the review, and have threatened to withdraw insurance cover if Pitt’s recommendations fail to be acted upon.

Environment minister Hilary Benn is to write a ‘detailed’ response to the report on behalf of the government. £34.5 million of this year’s budget has been set aside to implement recommendations from the Pitt Review.

The Met Office, the Emergency Planning Society, and the Chief Fire Officers’ Association all issued statements welcoming the report’s conclusions.