Nature will not wait for political uncertainties, warns ADA

Photo taken by Henry Cator

ADA releases a seven-point plan for water level & flood risk management post-election

As we still await the final outcome from the shock general election result, and a new government is formed, ADA warns that we must remain pro-active to the threat of drought and flooding.

“Whilst our general election has thrown us another surprise, we cannot afford to wait for nature to catch us out,” says Innes Thomson, ADA chief executive.

None of the political parties focussed in any meaningful detail on this crucial area and, with a new government forming, ADA is calling for drainage, water level and flood risk management to be properly addressed for this future parliament and beyond.

“The campaigning at this election has shown little or no understanding for the basic local services that are critical to our society and our way of life,” continues Mr Thomson. “Managing our drainage, water level and flood risk services must be taken much more seriously by a new government and much more trust placed in local delivery mechanisms.

“A palpable symptom of the election upset seems to have been the lack of attention given by politicians to local people, local environment and local economies around the country, with political debate forgetting about what really matters to the general public,” adds Mr Thomson.

“Right up there amongst the debate on health, education and welfare should be the subject of water. Without it, we cannot survive and, when there is too much, it significantly disrupts all the other things that are important to us all.”

ADA’s suggested plans for the future, distributed to all political parties ahead of the election through a seven-point manifesto, could not only re-energise the country’s focus on water management, but also represent an opportunity to get even more work done at very little or no extra cost.

The Environment Agency (EA), Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) and local authorities are starting to see the benefits of closer working arrangements through a partnership approach. A new government now has the chance to review and adjust their funding formula to embrace a wider range of benefits, to include agriculture and the management of rural economies.

ADA’s seven-point manifesto includes the promotion of co-operation and partnership to manage the water environment, and the support of local governance in flood and water level management decisions.

Please see ADA’s plan below for reference:

Seven-point plan for water level and flood risk management 

 

 

 

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