Whether the Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding Issues has reported its findings and whether it has any plans to improve current arra…

Recognising the misery and distress that flooding can cause and having resolved to improve current arrangements to address flooding concerns, ministers have agreed to implement the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee on Flooding Issues in full. These decisions build on our existing strategic framework for addressing flooding based on awareness, avoidance and alleviation.We will improve awareness of the risks of flooding through the provision of better flood risk information and additional flood warning systems.We will publish revised national planning policy to strengthen the ability of planning authorities to prevent unsuitable further development where there is significant flood risk.In addition to investing £40 million over the next three years to reduce flood risk for 1,850 properties, we will reduce the risk of sewer flooding by continuing to encourage the use of sustainable urban drainage systems and working with Scottish Water to ensure that such systems are properly maintained.We will manage flood risk better by improving national guidance and administrative procedures for promoting new flood alleviation schemes.We will ensure joint working between local authorities, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Water to improve flood risk management and will establish a national technical advisory group.We are helping those who might be affected by flooding by encouraging the take up of insurance by householders, in particular those in the social rented sector. We will ensure better support to those affected by flooding.Implementation of these measures will strengthen the existing arrangements to address flooding and thereby reduce the risks and the impacts of flooding on those individuals and communities in vulnerable areas.