Committee publication · Correspondence · 4 September 2025 · HC 550
Letter from the Environment Agency Chief Executive relating to the Flood Resilience in England hearing of 9 July 2025, 22 July 2025
From: Environmental Audit Committee
Inquiry: Flood resilience in England
Summary
The Environment Agency Chief Executive writes to the Environmental Audit Committee following his 9 July 2025 evidence session on Flood Resilience in England. He provides follow-up information on two commitments: approval of £100k Local Levy funding for London Borough of Brent's Wembley Brook project (involving partnership working and lower-carbon solutions), and updated asset condition figures showing 92.7% of high-consequence flood defences at or above target condition as of 17 July 2025.
Key findings
- Thames Regional Flood & Coastal Committee approved £100k Local Levy funding for Wembley Brook project on 8 July 2025; studies led by LB Brent with partnership involvement from Environment Agency, Thames Water, Transport for London, and Network Rail
- Wembley Brook runs through partially collapsed open culvert at risk of further collapse; project will explore multiple options including lower-carbon solutions and potential environmental improvements
- 92.7% of Environment Agency high-consequence assets are at or above target condition as of 17 July 2025; 91.4% of all assets meet this threshold
- Environment Agency applies risk-based asset management prioritising flood defences protecting highest number of properties; funding limitations, inflation, and extreme weather impact maintenance capacity
- Medium and low consequence assets receive lower funding priority; assets below required condition undergo detailed assessment to determine repair needs and mitigation measures
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Philip Duffy, Environment Agency, Thames Regional Flood & Coastal Committee, London Borough of Brent, Thames Water, Transport for London, Network Rail, Environmental Audit Committee
Notable line
“The project will demonstrate partnership working – the studies are being led by LB Brent.”
Key Quotes
“Wembley Brook runs through an open culvert structure that is partially collapsed in places and at risk of further collapse.”
“As of 17 July 2025, 92.7% of EA high consequence assets are at, or above, the target condition.”
“The EA prioritises maintenance work on flood defences which provide the greatest flood risk reduction for people, homes, and businesses.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗