Title

CLIMATE CHANGE

Gove warned of climate change floods risk

Local government secretary Michael Gove was today urged to align UK housing policy with climate change.

Local government secretary Michael Gove was today urged to align UK housing policy with climate change.

It comes as the centre-right Localis think-tank published new research showing that almost 200 local authority planning permissions have been granted on floodplain lands this year alone – involving some 5,283 homes.

According to Localis, the ‘overwhelming majority' of these new homes - some 4,255 - have been built in areas ‘pre-identified as most likely to flood'.

Following a string of major and expensive floods across the UK in the past decade, housing experts and insurers are baffled at developers' continuing fixation with such land.

Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran, said: ‘There is a clear need to reset Government policy and regulation to prevent an otherwise unavoidable 50% uptick in the numbers of houses being built on floodplains over the next half century. 

‘At the same time, with climate change another unavoidable reality, we need to strengthen communities to become resilient in adapting to, living with and responding to flood pressures.'

Claims director at LV General Insurance, Martin Milliner, said the Localis report highlighted a ‘concerning' problem.

He continued: ‘Climate change will increase the UK's exposure to weather-related hazards such as flooding and it's vital we prepare for this.

'While we welcome the Government's commitment to increase housing we have concerns about the UK's resilience to future flood events and, in particular, the number of new housing developments in flood risk areas that are still receiving approval.

‘With those involved in the planning process ignoring the current guidance, this runs the risk of putting an ever-increasing number of communities at risk.'

CLIMATE CHANGE

Expecting the unexpected

By Stephen Gaskell | 17 July 2025

Five years on from the easing of Covid restrictions, Stephen Gaskell says the sector proved that without local government, the crisis would have hit places m...

CLIMATE CHANGE

The changing face of public finance leadership

By Andrew Tromans | 16 July 2025

Andrew Tromans looks at the evolving skills and capabilities needed to lead in today’s complex financial landscape.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Born to run

By Ann McGauran | 16 July 2025

The Association of Directors of Children’s Services met last week in Manchester for its annual conference. Ann McGauran examines president Rachael Wardell’s ...

CLIMATE CHANGE

London remade

By Jonathan Werran | 04 July 2025

London has a golden opportunity to reset and reform the relationship between its boroughs and the mayoralty. Just how bold and radical this reform will be de...

Popular articles by Mark Conrad