Flood risk governance structure

Explains shared responsibilities for flood risk management under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Last updated: 29th December

Who has responsibility for managing flood risk?

Flood risk management is the responsibility of everyone, not solely the organisations identified by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. No single body has the means to reduce all flood risk.

Flood management involves several organisations, each with specific roles and powers. When these groups work together, and with the community, they can use their time and resources more effectively.

Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCCs) are key to managing flood risk.

Who is responsible?

Staffordshire County Council

Staffordshire County Council Highways are responsible for highway drains. Staffordshire County Council Lead Local Flood Authority have responsibilities for local flood risk.  

More information on flooding and drainage information, including road drainage, ditches and watercourses and culverts, can be found on our flooding and drainage page

Landowner

The landowner is responsible for ditches and watercourses and also piped watercourses and culverts.

Water company

The water company is responsible for public surface water sewers and foul sewers.

Environment Agency

The Environment Agency is responsible for critical watercourses and main rivers and also emergency response.

Local flood risk management strategy  

Finding an appropriate way for the wide range of interested parties to be involved in and interact with the Local flood risk management strategy is a priority for us, as Lead Local Flood Authorities.

We understand that arranging frequent meetings can be demanding. That’s why the strategy suggests a partnership approach that focuses on both overall planning and local action. This will help make sure the right organisations are involved at the right time.