Flood and water management plans laid out

The proposals in the draft Bill aim to give effect to:

• The Government's response to Sir Michael Pitt's Review 'Learning Lessons from the 2007 Floods';
• 'Future Water: The Government's Water Strategy for England' (Cm. 7319); and
• The flood and water aspects of the Welsh Assembly Government's 'Environment Strategy' and 'Strategic Policy Position Statement on Water'.

The proposals cover flood and coastal erosion risk management, including a strategic overview role for the Environment Agency and provision for a new local authority leadership role in local flood risk management.

Other policies cover:

• Main river mapping;
• Cooperation and sharing of information;
• Sustainable drainage systems;
• Regional Flood Defence Committees;
• Implementation of the EU Floods Directive and the Water Framework Directive;
• Reservoir safety;
• Surface water management plans; and
• Hosepipe bans.

Two major independent reviews are also awaited:

• Martin Cave's review of competition and innovation in water markets; and
• Anna Walker's review of charging and metering for household water and sewerage services.

Their recommendations will have to be considered and could lead to further legislative proposals in this area.

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