Things are going to get worse for flood-prone residents of England due to under-investment in defences and poor planning, according to a report published by the Benfield Greig Hazard Research Centre's. The report added that England is unprepared for the autumn flood season, putting its citizens at risk.
Professor Bill McGuire, head of Benfield Greig's reseacrh centre, cited not only increased distress caused to residents of England by flood as a consequence of this lack of preparation, but increased financial vulnerability due to potential blacklisting.
The situation is however different in Scotland, the report said. Significant government investment in improving flood defences and planning has been made, the report said. Most significantly, Scotland's 1997 Flood Prevention & Drainage Act gave local authorities a duty to maintain water courses and drainage. As the flood season gets underway Professor McGuire warned that the differences in preparation will be highlighted - at the cost of English residents.
