UK to get new flood warning centre

The government has this week announced plans for a new £7.7m flood forecasting centre, designed to help better protect people and businesses from the increasing threat of flooding.

The new facility is the centrepiece of the government's response to the Pitt Review following the summer floods of 2007. It will aim to improve the country's ability to predict and respond to flooding by providing a single national forecasting and alert service.

Environment minister Hilary Benn said that the new centre would help limit damage to homes and businesses caused by flooding.

"In a flood, preparation and speed of response are crucial," he observed. "A joint national flood forecasting and alert service will help by providing timely warnings and ensure we get the right help to the people who need it most in the shortest possible time."

In addition to the centre, Mr Benn also announced an additional £15m in funding to help local authorities better co-ordinate their flood response efforts, £5m to help homeowners in high risk areas better protect their homes from flooding, £2m for new flood rescue boats, and £8.5m to help the Environment Agency improve its flood mapping and warning systems.

Benn said the government was acting on all of the Pitt Review's recommendations, but added that businesses and individuals also had a responsibility to help tackle increased flood risks.

"All of us – government, local communities, providers of essential services such as water and electricity, and individuals – must take flood risk seriously and play our part," he said. "We need to act to reduce the risk where we can, and be ready to step in with effective help and recovery arrangements when flooding does happen."