Who Is Responsible for Managing Flood Risk in England?

National policy and coordination

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) leads the government’s approach to flood and coastal erosion risk management. It sets national policy, allocates funding and oversees how flood risk is managed across England.

These responsibilities are defined by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which established today’s framework for how different authorities work together. Defra’s policies make sure that national planning, environmental protection and climate resilience all support long-term flood management.

Major rivers, the sea and reservoirs

The Environment Agency (EA) manages flood risk from main rivers, the sea and large reservoirs. It builds and maintains flood defences, operates flood warning systems and advises on where new development should or shouldn’t take place.

National planning policy, through the NPPF, requires local councils and developers to consider flood risk before approving new sites. When major rivers overflow or coastal flooding occurs, the EA takes the lead in coordinating emergency response and long-term recovery.

Local flooding from rain and groundwater

Flooding from rainfall, groundwater or small streams is managed by Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) — usually county or unitary councils. LLFAs investigate local flood incidents, prepare strategies and ensure that new developments include suitable drainage.

They are responsible for ordinary watercourses such as small ditches and streams, while main rivers remain the EA’s responsibility. The difference between the two is explained in understanding main rivers and ordinary watercourses.

Low-lying and rural drainage

In some low-lying areas, Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) manage local drainage systems that keep water levels under control. They maintain pumps, ditches and embankments to protect farmland, villages and roads. Their work helps prevent flooding in some of England’s most productive and vulnerable regions.

Planning and development decisions

Flooding and planning are closely linked. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) must make sure that all new developments are safe from flooding and do not increase risk elsewhere. They consult the EA, LLFAs and IDBs before granting planning permission and ensure that sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are properly designed and maintained.

Urban drains and sewers

Flooding isn’t always caused by rivers. In towns and cities, water and sewerage companies manage the public drainage network and deal with flooding from blocked or overloaded sewers.

Different systems serve different purposes — foul, surface and combined sewers each have distinct roles in carrying waste or rainfall. Understanding which system is involved helps identify the right authority to contact if problems occur.

Forecasting and flood warnings

Accurate forecasting helps people prepare for flooding before it happens. The Met Office provides weather and rainfall forecasts that support the EA’s national warning system. Working together, they run the Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC), which produces daily flood risk guidance for England and Wales.

Flood management in Wales

In Wales, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) carries out similar duties to the Environment Agency, managing rivers, coastal defences and national flood strategy. The two organisations work together where river catchments cross the border, such as along the Severn and Dee.

Shared responsibilities

All these bodies are recognised as “risk management authorities” under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. They must share data, cooperate on planning, and act in line with national strategy.

Property owners also have responsibilities. Those whose land borders a river, ditch or stream — known as riparian owners — must maintain it to keep water flowing freely. This is explained in guidance on riparian ownership and responsibilities.

Key points for residents

• Main rivers or the coast: the EA manages flood defences and warnings.
• Surface water or groundwater: your LLFA is the first point of contact.
• Low-lying farmland: IDBs manage local drainage.
• Planning applications: LPAs and LLFAs review flood risk and SuDS design.
• Sewer flooding: water companies are responsible for public networks.
• Forecasts and alerts: the Met Office and FFC issue national guidance.
• Watercourses on your land: riparian owners must keep them maintained.

Flood management in England relies on collaboration — between national agencies, local authorities, water companies and communities. Understanding who does what helps homeowners, developers and residents know where to turn and how to take proactive steps to protect property.