South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has sought assurances that affected communities will be listened to as plans for flood defences are reviewed.
Flood risk management is the responsibility of local authorities in Scotland – however the local MSP has been approached by constituents who are concerned that councils are not taking the right course of action for certain villages.
During General Parliamentary Question time, Ms Harper asked the Scottish Government to confirm that local authorities have the necessary powers and resources to regularly reflect on and, if necessary, to update flood defence plans in response to feedback from communities regarding measures that are currently in place.
Minister Humza Yousaf said:
“I can give that reassurance. The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 sets out a six-year cycle for delivering flood risk management strategies and local plans, which are implemented by councils and other responsible authorities. The first set of strategies and local action plans were published in 2015 and 2016. The focus of action is on areas where the risk of flooding and the benefits of investment are greatest.
“Planning for the second cycle is under way, and new evidence and information on lessons learned will be taken into account when new strategies and local plans are developed. As the 2009 act sets out, there will be consultation to enable communities to provide specific feedback on flood protection measures that affect them.
Ms Harper commented:
“I think it is vital that communities who come forward with suggestions for further measures are listened to. As planning for the second cycle of local plans is currently underway, I will be writing to councils and to SEPA to reiterate this point, and ask for more details about how they are engaging with communities during this planning phase.”
