Sir Michael Pitt publishes report on summer floods

Sir Michael Pitt has called for urgent and fundamental changes in the way the country is adapting to the increased risk of flooding.

Publishing his independent review into last summer’s floods, Sir Michael called on the government to set out publicly how it will make rapid progress, and be held to account, on improving the country’s flood resilience.

He said the government should, amongst other things:

• Establish a cabinet committee dedicatee to tackling the risk of flooding
• Ensure proper resourcing of flood resilience measures, with above inflation increases every spending review
• Establish a national resilience forum to facilitate national level planning for flooding and other emergencies

Sir Michael also expressed concern about the quality and availability of flood risk information.

He said people purchasing property in a flood risk area should be made aware of the potential for flooding so they can make informed choices, including taking out insurance.