Our role as the Lead Local Flood Authority
As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for our area, we manage the risk of flooding from ‘local’ sources. This includes surface water, ordinary watercourses (non-main rivers), and groundwater when it emerges and begins to flow over land.
Our Local Flood Risk Management Strategy [link needs added] defines the risks of flooding in Central Bedfordshire and outlines our objectives for managing and reducing future flood risks to local communities. This strategy also helps us coordinate our actions with other flood risk agencies operating in the area.
As the Lead Local Flood Authority, we:
- assess local flood risk and work to improve our understanding of the locations most vulnerable to flooding
- identify opportunities for flood alleviation and enhance protection where it is needed the most; we also seek to attract partnership funding for this type of work
- investigate flooding incidents and publish reports when they meet the criteria set out in the Strategy
- advise on flood risk issues for new developments and promote sustainable drainage approaches
- collect data on flood risk features such as drainage infrastructure that impacts flood risk in our area
- use our enforcement powers to regulate activities that could cause flooding; this includes deciding whether certain works on or near ordinary watercourses are allowed
Please note, that our role as the Lead Local Flood Authority does not include responding to flood emergencies. Emergency responses are handled by our emergency planning team and the emergency services.