A Bill to make provision about the responsibilities and duties of certain authorities and agencies in respect of inland flood prevention; to make provision about the powers of local flood authorities and Internal Drainage Boards; to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the funding of local flood authorities and Internal Drainage Boards; to provide for the designation of Internal Drainage Board pumps as critical national infrastructure; to require the Secretary of State to prepare and publish a report on the potential merits of establishing a Flood Compensation Fund to support homeowners whose primary residence has become unsaleable as a direct result of flooding; to make provision about flood reinsurance schemes; to make provision about the responsibilities of developers and water companies in respect of the provision of drainage for new housing developments; to make water companies statutory consultees for certain planning applications; to place a duty on fire and rescue services to respond to flood events; to make provision about national and local digital mapping of flood incidence and risk; and for connected purposes;
This bill sets out who is responsible for inland flood prevention and clarifies the powers of local flood authorities and Internal Drainage Boards. It requires government reporting on funding for these bodies and considers options such as a Flood Compensation Fund and flood reinsurance. It also introduces planning, drainage and response measures, including duties on developers, water companies and fire services in flood events, and improved flood mapping.
Currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons, meaning it is in the early stages of passage. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny.
Generated 21 February 2026
The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is scheduled to take place on Friday 10 July 2026.
This is a Private Members' Bill and was introduced to Parliament on Wednesday 28 January 2026 under the Ten Minute Rule.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.