Managing Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk in Sefton
Extensive flooding across the UK in 2007 resulted in an overhaul of flood risk legislation with greater responsibility placed on local authorities to effectively manage surface water flood risk.
The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 defined the new roles and responsibilities for local authorities and classified them as Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA). Sefton Council was made a LLFA and, as such, we oversee flood risk from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses (ditches, stream and smaller rivers).
As an LLFA, Sefton Council has a number of responsibilities:
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Investigate and publish reports on significant flooding in Sefton.
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Establish and maintain a register of structures or features which have a significant effect on flood risk.
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Asset Register |
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Prepare and maintain a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy which manages surface water runoff, groundwater & ordinary watercourses.
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Co-operate with other Risk Management Authorities and work closely to ensure local and national plans are linked.
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Regulate ordinary watercourses through consent and enforcement powers to ensure riparian owners are undertaking their duties.
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Undertake the role of a statutory consultee to Sefton planning authorities by providing technical advice on surface water drainage.
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Have a role in emergency planning.
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