Councils have called on developers to introduce new measures to protect homes and businesses from flooding…
The Local Government Association (LGA) is calling on the government to bring in mandatory anti-flood requirements for new homes. It is hoped measures could reduce the cost of damage caused by flooding.
The LGA, which represents more than 370 councils across England and Wales, wants to see new building regulations implemented to combat this. This includes raised electrical sockets, fuse boxes, controls, and wiring above floor level. Other measures also being put forward include ventilation brick covers, sealed floors, and raised damp-proof courses.
The call follows the winter floods of 2015-16, which cost some £5bn and saw thousands of families in financial difficulty as a result of flood water. The damage from these storms has led to an average of 1.66 tonnes of household goods and freezer waste removed from around 21,000 homes and businesses.
Councils also want the government to ensure landfill tax is invested into projects that support local jobs and growth, rather than going to the Treasury.
The LGA acknowledged that government funding has been imperative to clean up flood-affected towns, but said councils will need additional support as the full cost of damage comes to light.
Additionally, local areas should have responsibility for flood defence funding, rather than central government, as councils are best place to know what their communities need.
LGA Environment spokesman Councillor Martin Tett said: “It would be easy and inexpensive for developers to introduce a raft of measures to ensure homes and offices are more flood proof. These include sealing floors, raising damp-proofing courses and putting electricity meters on upper-floors so homes still have power when flood water hits.
“These simple and straightforward steps could in the long-term save thousands of homes and businesses from some of the catastrophic damage and trauma which we saw this winter.
“We are urging the Government to make it a mandatory requirement for builders in at-risk areas to better protect properties from flooding. For example, if fuse boxes had been on upper rather than ground floors, many families caught in the winter chaos may still have had power. For a household gripped by the horror and trauma of flooding, electricity can be a lifeline.
“Other measures from the Government could also make a massive difference in helping councils. These include allowing councils to keep landfill tax and devolving new flood defence funding to local areas.
“Councils continue to give their all for flood-hit areas. The sense of community spirit across the country and huge efforts of council staff who have worked long hours and with little rest has been inspirational.”