Nature-based Solutions (Water and Flooding) Bill

Key Points

• Imposes a duty on water companies and relevant public bodies to prioritise nature-based solutions in water management and flood risk planning.
• Nature-based solutions include green infrastructure, wetlands, floodplains and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).
• Intended outcomes include better flood resilience, improved water quality and biodiversity benefits by integrating nature-based approaches into service delivery.
• Could affect how water and flood projects are planned, funded and delivered, requiring coordination with local authorities and other public bodies.
• Covers connected purposes as set out in the bill (beyond the core obligations).

Progress

The bill has reached the second reading in the House of Commons and is being debated there (as of 29 May 2026), having progressed from the first reading.