Flood Resilience Strategy
The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the proposed Flood Resilience Strategy. Flood resilience must be prioritised in Scotland’s efforts to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis. It is equally essential that a more multifaceted approach is adopted, rather than total reliance on the traditional capital hard engineered solution.
RSE policy advice paper, Flood Resilience Strategy (324B, PDF)
The RSE has two major concerns:
Our first major concern is the level of available funding. Current funding of around £42 million per year, mainly via 80% grants towards local authority flood prevention schemes, is not keeping up with the challenge posed by climate change and increased flood risk. Furthermore, this annual grant of £42 million, first announced in 2008, has not been index-linked with inflation. We also note that additional costs will arise as local authorities, SEPA, Scottish Water, and the Scottish Flood Forum take on new or extended roles in promoting individual and community resilience. There is insufficient recognition that the land owning and land managing community can play a more significant role. In agriculture support and forestry grant schemes, this will require amendment of the current incentive regime. There is little mention in the strategy of the costs incurred by individuals and businesses for flood insurance. Availability and affordability of insurance is a major challenge for a just transition. Its absence not only impedes post-flood recovery, but it may also reduce take-up of property flood resilience. This needs to be addressed, especially as the Flood Re insurance scheme is due to end in 2039.
The second major concern is effective delivery. The proposed strategy increases the responsibility of some stakeholders – most notably individuals and communities – working alongside existing stakeholders with new or enhanced roles. Whilst effective partnership working can vigorously be urged and promoted, executing and monitoring delivery is complex and expensive. Communities will need direct access to funds to increase their capacity to participate effectively, directly and through the hire of expert advice. The RSE recommends the creation of a new oversight body, or assigning oversight responsibility to an existing body, reporting directly to Parliament on delivery of the strategy regularly. Such a body must provide leadership in delivering the overall vision and command the key stakeholders’ confidence and support.
Executive summary
While broadly supportive of the strategy’s aims, the RSE is concerned with the level of government funding needed to successfully deliver what is outlined. Using other sources of funding will be essential.
In addition to the sources and levels of funding, the RSE is concerned with the availability and affordability of insurance, as well as the technical support offered to individuals and communities across Scotland.
With much of the onus of delivery placed on individuals and communities, the RSE is concerned that few across Scotland will have the necessary knowledge or resources to successfully implement the proposals in the strategy.
To ensure alignment with the principles of the just transition, the RSE recommends that an equitable approach be taken in delivering flood resilience. This should consist of prioritised funding for flood resilience for social housing and properties in deprived areas.
Furthermore, the RSE believes that all groups in Scotland have a role to play in delivering flood resilience, including the Scottish Government, Scottish Water, SEPA, local authorities, and the public and private sectors. The responsibility should not be disproportionately placed on individuals and communities.
The RSE also recognises the importance of strong leadership in implementing the shift from managing floods to promoting flood resilience. Given competing government priorities, it is essential to convey the importance and urgency of this issue to stakeholders and society at large. Thus, the strategy’s success will depend on the quality of leadership and the ability to capture societal buy-in.
Furthermore, the RSE believes that proper oversight and enforcement mechanisms are critically important for ensuring flood resilience measures are implemented and abided by. As such, the RSE recommends that the Government establish a new oversight body or assign oversight responsibility to an existing body.
Overall, the RSE supports the strategy but would recommend greater coherence with other government policies and a detailed funding plan linked to a clear set of responsibilities in terms of delivery.
Download this advice paper
RSE policy advice paper, Flood Resilience Strategy (324B, PDF)
