Old Snuff Mill Warehouse Park Lane Bewdley Worcestershire DY12 2EL Tel: 01299 403055 Fax: 01299 403101 e-mail:[email protected] www.floodforum.org.uk

Vision 2020 – results from the National Flood Forum survey of flood risk communities Summary In August, September and October 2014, a public online survey was undertaken using Survey Monkey. It was publicised through the National Flood Forum’s bulletin, emails to flood action groups and social media. The purpose was to gather a sense of the key issues affecting people who have flooded and those at risk. In particular, this was an opportunity for people to tell us what they thought the solutions to flood risk are. In addition, respondents were asked what specific, practical things different organisations could do differently or better. The survey used open questions based around what they felt that the issues were for Government, the Environment Agency and other Flood Risk Management authorities, as well as how to address financial resilience issues and practical support for communities. A total of 97 responses were received covering a very wide range of issues. Many of the points made were quite lengthy and detailed; this clearly demonstrated that they were the result of personal experience of flooding or preparing for floods. A number of key messages emerge from the analysis: 1. Listen to and work with local communities properly, 2. Coordinate flood risk management activity much better 3. Quicker action is needed; it often takes far too long to bring projects to life There are also a huge number of suggestions as to what the Government, its agencies, local government and society at large might do to improve flood risk management.

The National Flood Forum is a Registered Charity No. 1121642 The National Flood Forum • A Company Limited By Guarantee • Registered in England & Wales No. 4349401 Registered Office: Old Snuff Mill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 2EL • VAT Registered No: 786 2681 83

Survey results There were 97 respondents to six survey questions. However, people often put in several responses to the same question, hence the number of responses varies. Categories are listed where there were 5 or more respondents with the same idea, with the number of responses indicated in brackets. The results are presented in the order as on the survey. Question 1: Action by Government as a whole, not just Defra. What really significant things could each department deliver by way of new policy, the way policy is delivered or by investment? The overall sense from respondents was that flood risk is not a priority and that the whole of Government needs to be actively involved. There were 132 responses overall, with the main concerns being:  

 

Development 1. SUDs enforcement and implementation (17) 2. Don’t build on flood plains (12) Financial investment in: 1. Drainage (including sewerage) (11) 2. Local government (8) 3. EA (incl. defence maintenance) 8) 4. All levels of building flood defences (8) 5. Flooded communities directly (6) Catchment-based approaches: working together to solve flood problems holistically (i.e. source to sea) (11) Insurance - making insurance available to all (including implementating Flood Re) (7)

Example Quotes for Question 1: “Make funds available for small scale flood protection works, not just major events such as the Somerset Levels.” “Funding to be made available to local authorities to assist communities in dealing with their specific local problems.” “All departments working as one. Talking to and really listening to local communities. Creating a long term, non-party political, policy that overrides the 5 year Westminster cycle. Avoid knee jerk reactions.” “Ensure that before any future housing development is granted permission plus any future building commences that the developer in conjunction with the authorities ensures that the existing drains and sewers into which the new development will discharge is capable of coping with the calculated new flows and those in exceptional storms.” “Review of upstream thinking to ensure that there is a hierarchy of potential responses, much as the 'waste hierarchy' has altered attitudes to resource management in what previously was the 'waste' sector. The equivalent is needed for water, starting with infiltration and upstream detention, and ending with dredging and embankments. Fund research to evaluate how much could The National Flood Forum is a Registered Charity No. 1121642 The National Flood Forum • A Company Limited By Guarantee • Registered in England & Wales No. 4349401 Registered Office: Old Snuff Mill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 2EL • VAT Registered No: 786 2681 83

be achieved with this approach.” “Invest in total infrastructure – no building on flood plains; retain hedgerows; look at totality and not just large conurbations.” Question 2: Action by the Environment Agency. What are the most significant things that the Environment Agency needs to do? Overall, there is a wish for the Environment Agency to remain involved in flood risk management and to do more to reduce flood risk. There were 127 responses, with the main areas that people would like the Environment Agency to focus on were:         

Support/listen to flood groups & local knowledge (19) Invest/find funding for flood defences/alleviation (18) Maintain assets and waterways (18) Enforce riparian owner responsibilities and other policies (e.g. SUDs) (11) Dredge (8) Update or improve flood risk mapping (7) Keep staffing numbers (7) Be pro-active (6) Comment on development (5)

Example Quotes for Question 2: “Maintain or increase funding levels to FRM schemes and routine maintenance. Also use statutory powers to enforce riparian owners to manage watercourses rather than doing all the work themselves at cost to the EA.” “Visit PEOPLE that have been flooded and listen to them, Invest in more defences, SOUND THE ALARM IF FLOOD IS IMMINENT! SOONER RATHER THAN LATER” “Listen and provide practical advice and assistance (including funding where justified) to individuals and communities at risk of flooding. Meet (and work in partnership with) communities (via Flood Action Groups) to explore and support practical options for alleviating and managing the risk of flooding. Provide up to date risk assessment across the UK to determine those areas where need is greatest.” “Keep water courses clear and step in where other organisations are failing in their duty.” “Engage with local community groups to provide discipline on the councils and water companies to ensure that obligations are met.” “Maintain existing defences and flood risk teams.” “Major investment in flood alleviation measures.” “Improve the quality / accuracy of their flood maps, making them available at a larger scale.”

The National Flood Forum is a Registered Charity No. 1121642 The National Flood Forum • A Company Limited By Guarantee • Registered in England & Wales No. 4349401 Registered Office: Old Snuff Mill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 2EL • VAT Registered No: 786 2681 83

Question 3: Action by local government and other Flood Risk Management agencies. Local councils, Water Companies, Highways Agency and Internal Drainage Boards, amongst others, all have roles. How could they really make a difference? Of the 136 responses, the two main areas that flood risk communities wish to see local government focus on is drainage and partnership working, followed by listening, supporting and working with communities. The main priorities for practical support are identified as:         

Drainage: improve, maintain, enforce sewer maintenance (26) Collaborate and work in partnership better (22) Listen/support communities (including having one point of contact) (16) Enforce household/riparian owner responsibilities (13) Funding: pool resources, allocate more to flooding, secure more (11) Development: prevent and/or manage better (including SUDs) (10) Have one flood risk management body (6) Maintain watercourses (6) Communicate better (5)

Example Quotes for Question 3: “Make the roles and responsibilities of each agency more transparent and provide up to date contact details for communities. Improve communication be more proactive and responsive in working with local communities to help identify and resolve problems that are likely to increase the risk of flooding. Approach should be collaborative - all agencies working together, preferably with some central co-ordination (e.g. through a nominated lead agency).” “Must all work together with a joint goal - minimise flood risk” “By maintaining the drainage system and making landowners responsible for cleaning and maintaining theres [sic]” “Councils to ensure all drainage systems are cleared and maintained in an efficient and capable condition. Ensure that drains are of sufficient dimension to deal with expected requirement. Water Companies to ensure that lessons learned from past and recent experience are properly noted, recorded and acted-upon: Pumping Stations and linked pipeworks are to be raised where necessary, sealed and made to be operable even in unfavourable conditions.” “Implement drainage and attenuation schemes as a priority. Ensure existing drains and culverts get sufficient funding for regular maintenance.”

The National Flood Forum is a Registered Charity No. 1121642 The National Flood Forum • A Company Limited By Guarantee • Registered in England & Wales No. 4349401 Registered Office: Old Snuff Mill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 2EL • VAT Registered No: 786 2681 83

Question 4: Alleviating financial impacts on individuals. Flooding impacts on individuals and communities emotionally, financially and their health. What measures would make the most difference financially? The 119 responses to making a difference financially focused more on homeowner finances then large-scale infrastructure. Flood risk communities believe that making insurance affordable would make the greatest difference financially. This was followed by making property flood products more affordable. The priorities for making a difference financially were:     

Insurance: making it affordable for all, implementing Flood RE. (38) Property flood products: offering it, providing grants and/or making it more affordable (e.g. 0% VAT) (24) Support for victims post-flood (financially, emotionally etc.) (7) Investing in long-term flood risk (e.g. beyond parliament cycles, considering climate change) (6) Building large scale flood defences (e.g. Lower Thames relief project) (5)

Example Quotes for Question 4: “Affordable insurance. Following flood at Christmas my insurance is now over £2000 a year with £2500 excess.” “Grants for those flooded for immediate expenses. Guaranteed right to flood insurance for properties in flood prone areas. Centrally funded physical help and support. Funded psychological support after flooding. What would make the most difference are all of the above should be on-going for as long as is necessary.” “Investment in increasing resilience at individual household level as well as community level.” “Government Grants for individuals to purchase any equipment they might require to keep their properties safe.” “Independent advice into the best way to restore properties post flood, grants for the work. Greater acceptance that weather has changed and needs investment to deal with consequences.”

The National Flood Forum is a Registered Charity No. 1121642 The National Flood Forum • A Company Limited By Guarantee • Registered in England & Wales No. 4349401 Registered Office: Old Snuff Mill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 2EL • VAT Registered No: 786 2681 83

Question 5: Practical support for communities and individuals. What is needed to help support individuals and communities to take action to reduce flood risk and the impact of flooding? When flooding does occur, what would really make a difference during the incident and over the coming months? The 134 responses highlighted that there is a need for practical support for communities and individuals at flood risk. The greatest need identified was engagement prior to a flood event, for example working with flood risk communities, educating the public about the risk and providing advice on what can be done. The second priority was practical support during and after flood. The priorities for practical support were:          

Engagement: with flood risk communities, education about the risk, advice on what can be done (19) Practical support during and immediately after flood from all areas (including army, LA, EA, voluntary sector) (15) Practiced community flood plans (including with vulnerable people) (13) Funding for flood groups/communities (12) Having flood groups in existence (10) Property flood protection (including funding for) (9) Effective agency communication between each other (Before, during, after floods) (9) Working with communities (at all times) (6) Coordinated immediate response and decisions during flood events (6) Easy ways to report blockages/keep waterways clear (5)

Example Quotes for Question 5:

“Householders need good info on what steps they can take to prevent water coming in; also on how to restore a property so that if water does enter it causes minimal damage.” “During a flooding incident communities need to see the agencies doing things in their area. They need to see Council officers (and other officers) reacting quickly by getting feet on the ground where they are needed. Emergency Plans need to include local flood groups and have an agreed method of communicating to all residents and agencies to make them feel part of the loop. Town & parish councils also need to be encouraged to support their local flood group.” “Funding to voluntary groups who are taking direct action and working with flood risk agencies.” “Educate the community on flood protection for their homes. Financial help to prepare their homes to with stand floods. Get them to sign up for flood warnings. Involve local community groups in resilience planning and education. Plan for eventualities. During incident- implement plan in cooperation with first responders. Afterwards - give as much support as possible, but always respecting the wishes of the victims. Practise evacuation procedures.” The National Flood Forum is a Registered Charity No. 1121642 The National Flood Forum • A Company Limited By Guarantee • Registered in England & Wales No. 4349401 Registered Office: Old Snuff Mill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 2EL • VAT Registered No: 786 2681 83

“Flooding happens. Early triage and support would be hugely helpful. A more responsive government with emergency plans and resources on standby even if only to help clean up and get people back into their homes more quickly would be welcome.” “Proactive work with individuals and communities to ensure that it is understood how they can help themselves and also help them understand where they can obtain any available financial support for flood risk reduction.”

The National Flood Forum is a Registered Charity No. 1121642 The National Flood Forum • A Company Limited By Guarantee • Registered in England & Wales No. 4349401 Registered Office: Old Snuff Mill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 2EL • VAT Registered No: 786 2681 83

Question 6: Anything else? At the end of the questionnaire there was an opportunity for respondents to mention other ideas they had. Of the 71 responses, a large number suggested educating the public, including doing so innovatively. A continued theme from the previous questions was a general wish for agencies to work together and communicate better. The main priorities were:      

Educate the public (including TV adverts, soap operas with flooding themes, signage) (10) Work together, communicate better and share knowledge (10) Development: implement SUDs and/or don't build on flood plains (7) Listen to communities (7) Ensure funding at all levels (particularly locally) (5) Catchment plans and a long-term vision (5)

Example Quotes for Question 6: “Push for education, dredging the rivers is a huge waste of money for a short term solution. Sort out flood protection for new housing developments. Stop building on floodplains, have to let rivers overtop their banks at some point.” “Make the general population more aware of their responsibilities and how they can help themselves.” “Just that people need to work together on flooding not just score political points.” “Joined up approach to future flood defences eg surface water impacts considered and resolved whilst building river defences.” “Ensuring money is attributed where necessary not just where local politics and pressure demands.”

The National Flood Forum is a Registered Charity No. 1121642 The National Flood Forum • A Company Limited By Guarantee • Registered in England & Wales No. 4349401 Registered Office: Old Snuff Mill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 2EL • VAT Registered No: 786 2681 83

Methodology In August, September and October 2014, a public online survey was undertaken using Survey Monkey. It was publicised through the National Flood Forum’s bulletin, emails to flood action groups and social media. The respondents who completed the questionnaire are likely to highly represent flooded communities and were self-selecting. Therefore, we cannot say the 97 responses are representative of the whole population but we can say reasonably that they represent flood risk communities’ opinions on flood risk management. This fitted with the National Flood Forum’s aim to gather a sense of the key issues affecting people who have flooded and those at risk. The survey questions were open-ended, which allowed for rich qualitative information collected. However, this meant many respondents responded with 2 or more ideas. To overcome this, we analysed the data so all the information provided was taken into account. Therefore, although we had 97 respondents to the questionnaire, there were multiple answers to some questions. By incorporating all responses we can demonstrate more accurately the key issues affecting flood risk communities. To analyse the data we coded the responses by key themes. This allowed us to quantify the qualitative data and to present with confidence the greatest priorities of flood risk communities.

The National Flood Forum is a Registered Charity No. 1121642 The National Flood Forum • A Company Limited By Guarantee • Registered in England & Wales No. 4349401 Registered Office: Old Snuff Mill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 2EL • VAT Registered No: 786 2681 83