Campaign news

Since its first meeting in October 2008 attended by over 100 local authority delegates, the LGFF progressed with its campaigning work to lobby for recognition and support for the role of local authorities in managing local flood risks. This included meetings with various parliamentarians and officials from government departments and agencies.

2009/2010 activities

Nov 2009
LGFF 3rd members meeting – focus on the Flood and Water Management Bill and local flood risk strategy.

Sep/Oct 2009
LGFF fringe at party conferences – The LGFF held three fringe sessions at the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat party conferences with good turnout and lively debate. 

Sep 2009
Efra committee report on the Draft Flood and Water Management Bill – The Efra committee report found the Draft Bill a “confusing mix of measures, many of them poorly drafted” and the “approach taken…is over centralising”. It recognised the LGFF’s concern of boundary issues and recommends our idea of flood management boards. It calls for a more comprehensive Bill to be presented in the next Parliament. 

July 2009
Submission to the Draft Flood and Water Management Bill – After consultation with LGFF members, a response to the Draft Bill consultation was put together calling on the need for enhanced strategic partnerships, where partners review their arrangements, identify innovative activities and the Lead Local Flood Authority is able to apply to the Secretary of State for additional powers if needed to take things forward. 

July 2009
LGFF 2nd members meeting – focus on the LGFF submission to the Draft Bill consultation.

May 2009
Submission to the Efra committee – The LGFF and Gloucestershire have submitted a response to the Efra committee’s inquiry into the Draft Bill. 

May 2009
Meeting with David Rooke, Environment Agency (leads on flood risk management)

Mar 2009
LGFF 1st members meeting – focus on the governance structure and finance needed for effectively managing local flood risks 

Mar 2009
Meeting with Ann McIntosh MP, EFRA Committee (Conservative MP responsible for scrutinising the Draft Bill)

Mar 2009
Gloucestershire MPs: Martin Horwood MP, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP and David Drew MP

Mar 2009
Meeting with Huw Irranca Davis MP, Defra (responsible for flooding and water) 

Jan 2009
Meeting with Lord Smith, Environment Agency (Chair of the Environment Agency)

Jan 2009
Meeting with Dan Rogerson MP, EFRA Committee (Lib Dem MP responsible for scrutinising the Draft Bill)

Nov 2008
Meeting with Chris de Gruchy, Defra (leads on the response to the Pitt Review)

Oct 2008
LGFF general meeting – introduction to the LGFF and mapping out key challenges facing local authorities in managing flood risks at the local level