The government must act now to ensure the devastation caused to businesses and homes by this year’s floods is not repeated, it has been claimed.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) issued a call to action for the government after an interim report warned that something must be done to avoid damage on the scale witnessed this summer.
Sir Michael Pitt published his interim conclusions on Monday, urging the government to develop a ‘clear strategy and action plan’ to prepare for future extreme weather threats.
Almost £3bn worth of damage was caused after unprecedented rainfall between May and August, which overloaded the country’s Victorian drainage systems and devastated homes and businesses
Sir Michael encouraged an update of flood legislation, and a clarification of government departments’ responsibilities.
He called the floods a ‘wake-up call’ to the government, warning that the flood risk is ‘here to stay’.
“The country was fortunate that the impact of the emergencies were not more severe,” he added.
Commenting on the conclusions, David Frost, director of the BCC, said: “Last summer’s floods had an extremely damaging effect on thousands of businesses across the UK, a large number of which are still struggling to recover.
“It is essential that the government takes note of the conclusions drawn up by the Review committee and turns plans into action. Announcing strategy is not enough.”
He added that proper precautions and preparations must be put in place as soon as possible, with the business community fully involved at every stage.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
