The effective treatment and mitigation of flood risks has long been hindered by the lack of single, clear statutory framework setting out the responsibilities of organisations with a role in maintaining bodies of water or planning and responding to flooding resulting from these.
These include the Environment Agency (enforcement on ‘main rivers’ and reservoirs covered by the Reservoirs Act), the Council (enforcement on ordinary watercourses as well as highway gullies, culverts), Yorkshire Water (public sewers, reservoirs) and private landowners with riparian ownership.
This section provides further information around these responsibilities and how you can obtain further information.