The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has policy responsibility for flood and coastal defence in England. However, delivery is the responsibility of a number of flood and coastal defence "operating authorities" i.e. The Environment Agency, local authorities and internal drainage boards. Responsibilities differ according to the type of operating authority
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is the relevant operating authority for:
- Flood defences on ordinary watercourses which are not within the area of an internal drainage board; and
- Coast protection (i.e. measures against coastal erosion) and flood defences on certain frontages in the Authority's area (see Map in related documents)
- Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has prepared a Policy Statement on Flood and Coastal Defence Council (2003-2008) to provide a public statement of the Council's approach to flood and coastal defence in its area. This document and the associated map can be downloaded from this website. (see attachments).