Formal consultations and external event activities

SEPA and the Environment Agency ran a consultation about the steps we intend to take to engage stakeholders in the preparation of the third river basin management plan, RBMP.

The consultation provided stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on; the timescales for formal consultation, intentions to work with partners and our intentions for cross border working. A consultation for Scotland ran in conjunction.

Seventeen responses from a variety of well-informed stakeholders responded. Respondents were supportive of the proposed steps and timescales set out in the consultation. The respondents praised the partnership approach and support integration of plans and policies. It was acknowledged that this approach often needs to be adapted for with cross border working. They felt this was the most efficient way to use resource and deliver wider benefits.

The full summary of responses can be found here.

Given the largely supportive responses we intend to progress with the proposals outlined in the consultation to develop the third river basin management plans.

In addition to our national approaches, SEPA and the Environment Agency will jointly develop a communication and engagement strategy for catchments close to the national border.

SEPA ran a consultation about the steps we will take to engage stakeholders in the preparation of the third river basin management plan, RBMP, for Scotland. The consultation provided stakeholder with the opportunity to comment on; the timescales for formal consultation, how we will engage with partners, our intentions for cross border working and aligning RBMP with other plans and policies. A consultation for the Solway Tweed ran in conjunction.

We received 38 responses from a variety of well-informed stakeholders who agreed with the proposed consultation steps and timescales set out in the consultation. The respondents were very supportive of the proposed partnership approach and integration with plans and policies. They felt this was the most efficient way to use resource and delivery multiple benefits. Some respondents sought clarification about the format of engagement and more detail about how RBMP would be integrated into other plans and policies.

The full summary of responses can be found here.

Given the supportive nature of the responses SEPA will progress with the proposals outlined. SEPA will publish a communication and engagement strategy geared to the publication of the third plans to provide further detail to stakeholders.

Flood Risk Management in Scotland: 2018 Consultation on Potentially Vulnerable Areas closed on 31 July 2018 following a three month public consultation. The consultation process forms part of the work to review and update the 2011 National Flood Risk Assessment, as required by the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. Our understanding of flood risk is constantly improving and periodic reviews and updates are essential to ensure we can effectively support flood risk management in Scotland. The consultation provided an opportunity for members of the public and our partners to provide us with feedback on the proposed changes to Potentially Vulnerable Areas to make sure we have got it right. In addition to informing our view on Potentially Vulnerable Areas for 2021-2027, the consultation was also an important opportunity to gather views on the retention of Local Plan Districts and future consultation arrangements for flood risk management.

 A link to the Consultation Outcome Report can be found here: https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/375826/frm-in-scotland-pva-2018_consultation-outcome-report.pdf

We received a good level of support for the National Flood Risk Assessment. The 2018 National Flood Risk Assessment has significantly improved upon the previous baseline of flood risk and represents the best understanding yet of flood risk in Scotland. This in no small part reflects the input from partners and the public to improve our underlying evidence.  

We received general agreement from respondents on our proposals for new Potentially Vulnerable Areas. Only 13% of respondents challenged areas we are proposing for designation. Similarly, only 14% of respondents requested additional locations to be identified as Potentially Vulnerable Areas.

We received good support for the retention of the 14 Local Plan Districts, as well as for the planned consultation arrangements for the period 2018-2021.

The public consultation also demonstrated that many people think flooding is a major climate change risk for Scotland.

A full analysis of the responses received can be found in the Consultation Outcome Report here: https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/375826/frm-in-scotland-pva-2018_consultation-outcome-report.pdf

In taking account of the views received, SEPA has amended one of the Potentially Vulnerable Areas that we consulted on and identified two additional Potentially Vulnerable Areas. Our explanation for making these changes, and not making others that were requested via consultation, are explained in the Consultation Outcome Report, see link below.

In the consultation we proposed a minor Local Plan District boundary change, at Nairn, to better accommodate flood risk management in this area. Given the support we received, we intend to proceed with the 14 Local Plan Districts as proposed.

No changes have been made to the Statement on Consultation Arrangements.

A revised set of Potentially Vulnerable Areas have now been submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval.