This Act will update legislation to manage the increasing risk of flooding. It will:
• incorporate the requirements of the European Union (EU ) Floods Directive;
• streamline and speed up the development and implementation of flood protection measures;
• introduce a more sustainable and modern approach to flood risk management;
• create a more joined up and coordinated process for flood risk management at a national and local level.
Specific measures within the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act include:
• a framework for coordination and cooperation between all organisations involved in flood risk management;
• assessment of flood risk and preparation of flood risk management plans;
• new responsibilities for SEPA, Scottish Water and local authority functions for flood risk management;
• a revised, streamlined process for flood risk management measures;
• new methods to enable stakeholders and the public to contribute to managing flood risk;
• a single enforcement agency for the safe operation of Scotland's reservoirs.
The Bill creates a framework in which SEPA and local authorities, alongside other public, private and voluntary sectors, can work collectively to assess flood risks and put in place plans.
Further information about the Act is available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Water/Flooding/FRMAct