ePolitix.com Stakeholders comment on the independent report by Sir Michael Pitt on this summer's floods.

The report says the government and the public were not adequately prepared, and makes suggestions about how to move on and deal with similar situations in the future.

Party response: Conservative

Anne McIntosh, shadow floods minister,said: "We welcome Pitt Review and its conclusions. With the impact of climate change we can expect more extreme weather and periods of intensive rainfall. Therefore we must ensure that we adapt to confront these challenges, including learning the lessons from the summer floods.

"Pitt does not point finger of blame but does outline some key failings: no national flood emergency plan; no clear responsibility for dealing with urban floods; no systematic stockpiling of emergency equipment

"We recognise the urgent need for stronger local leadership, clarification of roles, more effective co-operation between responsible organisations and better protection of critical infrastructure. But the government must also take a lead and act now:

"We need to ensure that the funding promised to communities is getting through to where it is needed. 

"The weather last summer was unprecedented but, as scientists and the Pitt Review warns, climate change means there is an increased risk of flooding. Action on climate change mitigation and adaptation needs to be stepped up and the Climate Change Bill needs to be strengthened.

"With millions of new homes planned we must urgently look at where these are sited. The building of key infrastructure such as electricity substations should also be reviewed.

"The summer floods were another example of systemic failure at the heart of government, and we need a clear vision of how to prevent further flood disasters – something that is absent at the moment."

Stakeholder response: British Red Cross



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Tony Thompson, head of emergency response and resilience at the British Red Cross, said: "The response of the statutory agencies to this emergency was outstanding, however, that should not stop us acknowledging that particular aspects could have worked better."

"The floods were the biggest domestic emergency of recent years. Humanitarian issues, such as helping people without water or those who'd been evacuated from their homes, were at the forefront of the response.

"There were a number of instances where the Red Cross had to approach local authorities to raise awareness of what help we could provide, despite the fact this role was already recognised in the local emergency plans.

"There were also occasions across the UK where the Red Cross had a significant role in the response, yet we were not invited to either the tactical or strategic co-ordinating group.

"We understand that the statutory authorities have the right to decide which organisations they use in support of an emergency, however, once agreements are in place and their role included in emergency plans, they should be followed through when the emergency occurs."

Stakeholder response: Association of British Insurers

To send a comment to ABI click here 

Stephen Haddrill, director general of the ABI, said: "Michael Pitt has confirmed that radical action is needed to improve Britain's protection against flooding. We are especially pleased to see his endorsement for our call for effective co-ordination on flood risk, particularly for drainage and surface water. The government must now support the Pitt recommendations with action and money.

"This report recognises the positive response of the insurance industry to this summer's floods. Insurers have handled 165,000 claims, arranged temporary accommodation for 15,000 customers, and will pay out over £3bn."