Climate Report - Hull and East Riding properties at 'significant risk' of flooding

HULL AND THE EAST RIDING have the highest number of properties at risk from flooding of all local authorities in England. In the last 10 years the East Riding has seen a 12% increase in developed land that that is considered to be at significant flood risk.

This stark assessment has been presented in a report published by the Committee on Climate Change who are independent advisers to the Government. The report Adapting to climate change in the UK comments on how well the UK is prepared to deal with climate change and risks.

“The results in this report demonstrate how a sharper focus on the UK’s current vulnerability to climate can improve the way we prepare for climate change. By taking steps to manage this vulnerability, local communities, businesses and households can save money today and reduce the costs of climate change in the future." 

Lord John Krebs

Points of local interest to note from the report are:

• Hull and East Riding have the highest number of properties at risk from flooding of all local authorities in England and one of the most rapidly eroding coastlines.
• The Environment Agency categorises a 'significant risk' of flooding as one where there is a greater than 1 in 75 chance that weather severe enough to cause a flood, will overwhelm defence structures or lead to their failure. The East Riding has seen a 12% increase in land at significant flood risk since 2001.
• Good practice is recognised in the Holderness District Local Plan which imposes strict controls on developments near its eroding coastline in order to reduce vulnerability to flooding.

The report sets out a series of actions, which if implemented more widely could reduce the affects and costs of climate change. These include:

• Flood protection - package of measures to reduce damages from flooding e.g. air-brick covers, door-guards and drainage bungs.
• Tighter regulations on new housing to improve their adaptability.

You can download the report Adapting to climate change in the UK from the Commission on Climate Change website.