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;
House of Commons
George FreemanConservative
29 January 2026
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
The Flooding Bill would set new duties on authorities and agencies to prevent inland flooding and give more powers to local flood authorities and Internal Drainage Boards. It would require a government report on funding for these bodies, designate certain pumps as critical national infrastructure, and consider a Flood Compensation Fund for homeowners whose homes become unsaleable after flooding, as well as exploring flood reinsurance. It also covers drainage responsibilities for developers and water companies, makes water companies statutory planning consultees, imposes a duty on fire and rescue services to respond to floods, and promotes national and local digital mapping of flood risk.
The bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons. It originated in the Commons and is sponsored by George Freeman.
Generated 21 February 2026
28 Jan 2026
10 Jul 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.