The government is replacing the current strategy for flood and coastal defence which, as modern views on climate change have developed, is now 11 years out of date.

A consultation paper 'Making Space For Water' has been launched that contains proposals to tackle the risk of flooding and coastal erosion over the next 20 years. The paper has a clear linkage with climate change and the danger posed by global warming.

Recent predictions say over the next 100 years, the frequency and severity of flooding will increase, because of climate change and other pressures.

Ideas on what might be done to tackle all types of flooding - coastal, river, groundwater, sewers and urban and road drainage problems - and across all areas of government policy are brought together for the first time in the consultation document, which represents a new more co-ordinated direction on flooding.

Possible solutions in the document range from the familiar (maintaining and/or improving sea and river walls), to more recent departures in approach that 'make space for water' (e.g. by creating saltmarsh buffer zones in coastal areas and wetlands in river catchments, where appropriate), to the new and inventive (that some minor, non-strategic roads be used as flood channels in an extreme event, using raised kerbstones to contain the water).

New homes could be built to specifications that include provisions to mitigate downside effects of flooding such as fitting electrical outlets and equipment higher in the property and constructing sewage systems that better resist overflowing during flood conditions.

Many different authorities with an interest in the risk presented by flood and coastal erosion will be responding to the new proposals: Treasury (for the finance implications); private insurance industry; local authorities and all individuals and groups including property developers.

Environment minister Elliot Morley said, “People should plan for this across the board, working closely with the insurance industry and other interested parties, so that the adverse consequences for people and for business are minimised.”

The consultation closes on 1 November 2004. Subject to the outcome of the consultation exercise, the Government hopes to publish a final strategy, containing an action plan and commitments to regular reviews, in early 2005.