Rural areas need fair share of flood money
7 May 2008
"Ring fenced" funding to protect rural areas is vital if a repeat of last summer's disastrous floods, which destroyed millions of pounds of crops, is to be avoided, the NFU said today.
The funding recommendation by the Government's own Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee would see money earmarked for the first time for new capital projects, such as building banks along watercourses, in rural areas.
NFU President Peter Kendall said: "No one would question the importance of protecting urban areas, but it is crucial that money is set aside to protect our food supplies.
"Only through targeted investment by the Environment Agency can the country hope to avoid the sort of huge losses suffered by our food and farming sectors last year."
The NFU agreed with the Efra Committee that the overall budget for flood management across the country was probably inadequate and needs looking at again.
It also welcomed calls on the Environment Agency by the Efra Committee to involve landowners in the decision-making process over the maintenance of watercourses in rural areas.
Mr Kendall said: "It makes sense for the Environment Agency to make use of the expertise of landowners, rather than making decisions in isolation. It is also important that once a decision is made, the outcome is relayed to landowners so that they know if no remedial action is going to be taken."
Fresh calls, by the Efra Committee, for a log to identify exactly who is responsible for the management and maintenance of surface water drains were also welcomed by the NFU.
Mr Kendall said: "It is vital that when the risk of flooding occurs, everyone is clear about their responsibilities and the necessary action to take."
