BUSINESS
PLAN
Introduction
The Business Plan provides the overall framework
for all regions to work within, in order to meet the project targets
by March 2002. The policies and priorities are set out in the
Environment Agency's "Flood Warning Strategy for England
and Wales 1997-98 to 2001-02".
National and Regional Roles
The National Flood Warning Strategic Board for
England and Wales takes the lead role in determining policy, while
the National Flood Warning Implementation Team, with representatives
from all regions and the various floodwarning subject sub groups,
ensures the implementation in a consistent way across the country
to the agreed timetable.
Regions are responsible for drawing up their
own programmes which fit in with the national framework, obtaining
the resources required and implementing their programme. Regions
have their own flood warning action groups which oversee the carrying
out of the work and also pass regional issues up to the national
groups.
Collectively Funded Items
Where it is efficient to do so, some items will
be managed on a national lead basis with a small group taking
responsibility for procuring the service for all regions. The
funding for these collectively purchased items will be agreed
to an appropriate method. The items which are currently being
funded in this way or are considered appropriate for the future
are:
— Automatic Voice Messaging
— Floodcall (Recorded Message System)
— Public Awareness Campaign
Framework Programme
A national strategic framework programme has
been drawn up which sets out the main headings and sub-headings
on which it is expected that progress will have to be made by
all regions. This will form the basis for regions to allocate
the appropriate resources to meet the overall targets and milestone
measures. Extra resources totalling £1.74 million per annum
have been approved by the Agency Board, MAFF and RFDCs (Regional
Flood Defence Committees) to reach the level of service required
in order to gain the £20 million annual benefits.
Monitoring
Reviews of performance will be undertaken by
independent external Public Awareness surveys after each significant
flooding event has occurred and also an annual report produced.
Ongoing internal performance measures will be operated and action
initiated at any time to improve performance from information
derived from both these sources.
