A Flood Framework Scoping Study for Northamptonshire County Council

Northamptonshire County Council commissioned RAB Consultants to carry out a Flood Framework Scoping Study. The purpose was to provide a framework for the management of water and flood risk within Northamptonshire to comply with current and emerging legislation.

A review of relevant documentation and legislation to identify Lead Local Flood Authority roles and responsibilities was supported by an assessment of local policies and strategies within Northamptonshire County Council and their associated district and borough councils. The three key national business drivers were; the recommendations from the Pitt Review, the Flood and Water Management Bill and the Flood Risk Regulations 2009. 

Following a detailed consultation with council staff to determine their current capability and capacity and with staff from other local authorities, we were able to establish successes and good practice. This allowed us to identify several options with associated advantages, disadvantages, costs, risks and issues which were presented to the council and key stakeholders for their consideration.

We concluded the study by producing a final report which included a preferred option, a delivery structure and an implementation plan. Some of the recommendations that came out of the report include; setting up a Strategic Flood Risk Management Board and developing a Surface Water Management Plan for Northamptonshire.  An additional benefit to the client was the knowledge transfer to Northamptonshire County Council staff who went on to progress this work.