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31/01/2012
Gov Criticised Over Flood Cuts
The Government has been criticised over its handling of flood protection, after making a 27% cut to flood protection and for being unclear on where the "buck stops".
Commenting on the Public Accounts Committee report on Flood Risk Management, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh accused the Government of playing "Russian Roulette" with people’s homes and businesses.
"The Government is passing the buck to local councils, asking them to choose between repairing roads and protecting homes from flooding. The irony is that this approach may cost more in the long run as the Environment Agency is unable to predict what schemes will proceed, which means procurement costs rise."
According to reports on Tuesday, neither of the two government bodies tasked with handling the flooding believes it's their responsibility. The report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee has criticised the coalition's steady transfer of powers from central to local government, whilst simultaneously cutting council's budgets.
Currently, neither the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Environment Agency or local councils have been officially designated with the responsibility of preparing for flooding.
(DW/GK)
Commenting on the Public Accounts Committee report on Flood Risk Management, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh accused the Government of playing "Russian Roulette" with people’s homes and businesses.
"The Government is passing the buck to local councils, asking them to choose between repairing roads and protecting homes from flooding. The irony is that this approach may cost more in the long run as the Environment Agency is unable to predict what schemes will proceed, which means procurement costs rise."
According to reports on Tuesday, neither of the two government bodies tasked with handling the flooding believes it's their responsibility. The report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee has criticised the coalition's steady transfer of powers from central to local government, whilst simultaneously cutting council's budgets.
Currently, neither the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Environment Agency or local councils have been officially designated with the responsibility of preparing for flooding.
(DW/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
