Following weeks of flood alerts and warnings across the country, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and local authorities are calling on the public and businesses to share their views on shaping flood risk actions in high-risk areas across Scotland.

A joint consultation has been launched to help shape the direction and delivery of flood risk management across Scotland. Actions to help tackle flooding in areas identified as being at the greatest risk are detailed in the consultation, alongside information on where we can gain the most benefits from taking action.

Members of the public and businesses have until October 31 to comment. All responses received by this date will help inform the future flood risk management plans.

Scotland has been divided into 14 Local Plan Districts for flood risk management purposes, and following feedback from this consultation, SEPA will publish a flood risk management plan for each of those districts. Each plan will confirm the immediate priorities for flood risk management as well as set out the future direction to be taken by all responsible authorities.

There are currently 284,000 homes, businesses, and services at flood risk in Scotland and climate change is projected to increase this number by an estimated 110,000 by the 2080s.

The State of the UK Climate 2020 Report recently published by the Met Office showed that 2020 was the UK’s fifth wettest year since records began, and six of the 10 wettest years have been since 1998.

SEPA CEO Terry A’Hearn, said: “Flooding is a real threat to people and property. Climate change is one of the biggest contributors to future increased flooding in Scotland and reducing its impact requires knowledge and action. As we are currently in a climate emergency, these plans substantially pick up preparation for the increased flooding Scotland can expect with climate change.

“We are urging everyone affected by flooding, whether it be their home, their local community or regular travel routes, to take part in this important consultation, which will help to shape how we cope with, and manage, flooding in Scotland in the future. This helps us establish where our coordinated and focused effort is most urgently needed.”

To take part in the consultation, visit our consultation hub: https://consultation.sepa.org.uk/evidence-and-flooding/frmplans