MPs have called for a single national flood information and reporting service, warning that many communities do not know who is responsible for managing flood risk in their area.
The Environmental Audit Committee said public awareness of flood risk is “dangerously low”, with lives and livelihoods further endangered by people not knowing how to respond to warnings or protect their homes.
It found no single point of accountability for flood management, and recommends creating a national flood line by March 2026 to provide a clear point of contact and better awareness.
Around 6.3 million homes and businesses in England are at risk of flooding, according to the Environment Agency, yet 45 per cent of the public have not checked their flood risk.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the LGA’s Neighbourhoods Committee, said: “Councils are on the frontline of action in severe weather and play a vital role in keeping residents safe and informed, and supporting their recovery from flooding.
“Successful flood and coastal erosion risk management requires increased cooperation and cross-border partnerships, and the Environment Agency and water companies need to factor in more frequent and senior engagement with local authorities into their business model immediately.
“We need greater flexibility and transparency from government funding support schemes. Funding mechanisms designed for ‘once in every 10 years’ flooding events are not fit for purpose.”