Consultation: Draft Sustainable Development Guidance for Local Flood Authorities

Summary

This consultation invited views on our draft sustainable development guidance for Local Flood Authorities.

Section 27 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 states that a lead local flood authority, district council, internal drainage board or highways authority must aim to make a contribution towards the achievement of sustainable development when exercising a flood or coastal erosion risk management function.  The Act requires the Secretary of State to issue guidance about how authorities are to discharge this duty. This draft guidance has been developed for that purpose.

This consultation was particularly aimed at local flood authorities (county councils, unitary authorities, district councils, internal drainage boards, highway authorities) who exercise a flood or coastal erosion risk management function.  It also sought the views of the wider community who have an interest in sustainable development including individuals, consultants, NGOs and Agencies.

In particular the consultation was interested in identifying how flood authorities can most effectively contribute to sustainable development and how this should be reflected in the guidance.  The guidance references other sources of information and the consultation sought feedback on what further information and support authorities could draw on.