Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what responsibilities and obligations were inherited by the Environment Agency from predecessor bodies for the maintenance of particular flood defences in Lancaster and Fleetwood; and whether those responsibilities and obligations remain in place.

The Environment Agency inherited jurisdiction over flood defences within the Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency that were previously maintained by the National Rivers Authority, and prior to that North West Water. Several Acts of Parliament have accompanied these changes.

The Environment Agency understands that responsibilities and obligations from predecessor bodies have been consolidated and remain in place.

Coastal jurisdiction is split between local authorities for coast protection and the Environment Agency and its predecessors for sea defences. This position was clarified by the Shoreline Management Plan 2010.

Inland, the Environment Agency has a role in managing flood risk from “main rivers” (as defined by Defra). This can include maintenance of flood risk management assets on a permissive and affordable basis and in line with Treasury Rules and Defra Guidance. Maintenance work is undertaken as identified by the Catchment Flood Management Plans that guide the level of work needed at a particular location.