Mr Benn is also officially opening the new Flood Forecasting Centre, a partnership between the Environment Agency and the Met Office, to improve the warnings that are issued about the risk of flooding.
The aims of the draft Bill are to:
- Reduce the likelihood and impacts of flooding;
- Improve our ability to manage the risk of flooding, by clarifying who is responsible for what;
- Improve water quality;
- Give water companies better powers to conserve water during drought;
- Reduce red tape and other burdens on water and sewerage companies;
- Improve the overall efficiency and management of the industry; and
- Reduce pollution and improve water quality.
Mr Benn said:
"The terrible effects of the 2007 floods are still fresh in our minds, and climate change will only increase the threat of extreme weather in the future. We can't stop rain falling from the sky, or make it rain during droughts, but we can be better prepared.
"That's why we are publishing this draft Bill, which will help us better protect the public by clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in flood risk management. The Bill is about changing the law where we need to.
"We've also been taking action to protect property and prepare for emergencies, including setting up the Flood Forecasting Centre, providing £15m to local authorities to lead flood management locally and develop surface water management plans, a £5m fund available to households for personal flood protection and £2m to improve water rescue, including funding for rescue boats and trained personnel."
