Commentary Strategies, co-operation and funding Section 11: Effect of national and local strategies: England
50.This section requires English risk management authorities, in exercising their flood and coastal erosion risk management functions, to act in a manner consistent with the national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy and guidance under section 7. These risk management authorities must also, with the exception of water companies, act consistently with relevant local flood risk management strategies and related guidance issued under section 9.
51.This requirement does not apply to the Environment Agency in the exercise of its functions under section 7(1) (see subsection (2)), although as a public authority it would none the less be required to take into account all relevant considerations in deciding how to exercise those functions.
52.English risk management authorities are required to have regard to the national and local strategies in exercising any other function that may affect a flood risk or coastal erosion risk in England (subsection (4)).
53.Water companies are required to have regard to local strategies and guidance in exercising a flood or coastal erosion risk management function in relation to an area in England (subsection (3)).
54.A cross-border internal drainage board for an internal drainage district that is mainly in Wales but partly in England must act consistently with local strategies and guidance for that part of their district which is in England. However, they need only have regard to the national strategy and guidance for England under section 7. This provision does not affect their duties under section 12 in respect of the national strategy for Wales, which they will have to act consistently with (subsections (5) and (6)).
55.Subsection (7) gives the Secretary of State power, by order, to require a specified person to have regard to the strategies and guidance when exercising a statutory function, as defined in subsection (9), which could impact on flood risk or coastal erosion risk in England. This power will be exercised to require other bodies, whose activities affect flood or coastal erosion risk, to have regard to relevant strategies.