Implementation of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009: report to the Scottish Parliament

Introduction and Background

Flooding is a natural occurrence which can have devastating consequences on individuals, businesses and communities across Scotland. While flooding cannot be prevented, steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of a flood event occurring, to minimise its impact and to help those affected by flood events.

This report outlines the progress of work being carried out by a number of partnership organisations throughout Scotland through the implementation of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 ("the Act").

The Act creates a framework for coordination and cooperation at a national and local level, and clearly sets out the roles and responsibilities of the key agencies involved in flood risk management, notably the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and responsible authorities such as local authorities and Scottish Water.

The coordination and cooperation of these agencies, alongside work to engage and empower communities at risk of flooding, underpins a sustainable approach to evaluating and managing flood risk across Scotland. This risk based and plan led approach aims to achieve the following 6 outcomes:

1. A reduction in the number of people, homes and property at risk of flooding as a result of public funds being invested in actions that protect the most vulnerable and those areas at greatest risk of flooding.

2. Rural and urban landscapes with space to store water and slow down the progress of floods.

3. Sustainable surface water management that decreases burdens on our sewer systems while also delivering reduced flood risk and an improved water environment.

4. Coasts and estuaries managed in a way which aims to reduce flooding, respects the changing nature of the coast and takes into account potential impacts of interventions on flooding and erosion in adjacent areas.

5. A well informed public who understands flood risk and takes actions to protect themselves, their property or their businesses.

6. Flood management actions being undertaken that will stand the test of time and be adaptable to future changes in the climate.