Policy Connect has published a new report arguing that the Government should reform flood and coastal erosion risk management policy to protect vulnerable communities and deliver sustainable housing and economic growth.

The fourth Bricks and Water inquiry by the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum comes at a critical time. The new Government has committed to building 1.5 million homes over the next five years, whilst also pledging to adopt a long-term, strategic approach to managing flood risk.

Despite the previous government’s record £5.2 billion investment in flood risk management, the Environment Agency estimates that 6.3 million properties are at risk of flooding in England – a number that could rise to 8 million by the middle of the century, due to climate change.

Photo credit: Chris Gallagher

Following the wettest 24-month period on record for England, he latest Bricks and Water report examines how policymakers can improve flood and coastal erosion risk management to ensure both new and existing communities are sustainable, resilient to climate change, and able to support the Government’s targets for economic growth.

The report, following an inquiry by the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum, is informed by a range of expert opinions, including those from the water, construction, and insurance sectors, along with non-departmental public bodies, local authorities, and academia.

Bricks and Water sets out eleven recommendations for the new Government to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements in flood and coastal erosion risk management outcomes, covering the following important themes:

• Planning Policy.
• Flood Defence Funding and Maintenance.
• Coastal Change.
• Property Flood Resilience.