One of the key aims of the MGSDP is to reduce flood risk. The Partnership was established after the Glasgow floods of 2002 as each of the partners brought their own responsibilities and roles. The legislation at the time meant that each of the MGSDP partners currently has specific roles for flood management and prevention. These roles are outlined below.
The way flood risk in Scotland is managed has changed, with the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 coming into force in June last year.
The new Act aims to ensure that all the bodies involved in flood risk reduction work together to deliver results.
The first set of flood risk management plans are scheduled for completion by 2015.
The framework for the new Act reflects the way the MGSDP partners have been working since 2002 to reduce flood risk in metropolitan Glasgow.
MGSDP Partner’s current responsibilities
SEPA
SEPA is Scotland's flood warning authority. Under the Environment Act 1995, we are required to operate formal flood warning schemes in partnership with local authorities and the police. This includes Floodline; a 24 hour telephone information service covering all of Scotland, through the monitoring of river levels, rainfall, tidal predictions and weather forecasts. Further information available at: www.sepa.org.uk
Scottish Water
Scottish Water is responsible for the drainage of rainwater run-off from roofs and any paved ground surface within a property boundary.
Additionally, Scottish Water protects homes from flooding caused by sewers either surcharging or becoming restricted due to chokes and collapses. Further information available at www.scottishwater.co.uk/flooding
Glasgow City Council and other local authorities within the MGSDP area
Local Authorities have a responsibility for managing flood prevention and defence schemes. They also have planning control over developments which may affect flooding in the area.
Most local authorities have flood appraisal groups that provide practical guidance, information on flood risk and its implications for development to the local authority.
Other duties include:
Assessing watercourses in non-agricultural areas for conditions likely to pose a flood risk
Maintaining watercourses
Working with the police, fire and rescue services in response to severe flooding
Ensuring road gullies are operational
Dealing with road closures (except trunk roads)
Co-ordinating reception centres for people evacuated from their homes and arrange temporary accommodation if appropriate
Co-ordinating the aftermath of a flood
Further information is available at: www.glasgow.gov.uk