National FCERM Strategy: Autumn update

Since the public consultation on the draft FCERM Strategy over the summer, the Environment Agency (EA) have been in the process of finalising the Strategy, taking on board the extensive stakeholder feedback received. The EA has reported that there has been significant support for three ambitions of the draft Strategy: climate resilient places; today’s growth and infrastructure – resilient to tomorrow’s climate; and a nation of climate champions.

Following the government’s announcement to hold a general election on Thursday 12 December, and is accordance with the government’s pre-election (purdah) guidance, the EA are now aiming to publish the Strategy by next spring 2020. They will be seeking to finalise the Strategy for approval by the new Secretary of State in the New Year. As a statutory document, the new Strategy needs to be laid in Parliament for 40 days prior to its adoption.

The work to deliver the ambitions within the Strategy remain the EA’s focus. Over the coming weeks they will continue to work closely with Defra to ensure the Strategy is aligned to the wider policy framework. The EA has stated that they are keen to work with all Risk Management Authorities to translate those ambitions into real commitments over the next few years.

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