Local Authorities

Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs)

LLFAs are county councils and unitary authorities. They lead in managing local flood risks (i.e. risks of flooding from surface water, ground water and ordinary (smaller) watercourses). This includes ensuring co-operation between the other risk management authorities in their area.

Under the Flood & Water Management Act 2010, LLFAs are required to:

• prepare and maintain a strategy for local flood risk management in their areas,
• maintain a register of flood management assets,
• investigate significant local flooding incidents,
• issue consents for altering, removing or replacing certain structures or features on ordinary watercourses (outside of internal drainage districts),
• undertake a statutory consultee role providing technical advice on surface water drainage to local planning authorities  major developments (10 dwellings or more), and
• play a lead role in emergency planning and recovery after a flood event.

District & Borough Councils

District and Borough Councils are risk management authorities and key partners in planning local flood risk management. They:

• can carry out flood risk management works on ordinary watercourses (outside of internal drainage districts),
• consider flood risk management within and from development in planning applications and local plans as planning authorities,
• work in partnership with other risk management authorities to ensure risks are managed effectivelyt in their area.