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<p>Ministers regularly meet with the Environment Agency and other stakeholders to
discuss flood and water management matters.</p><p> </p><p>Riparian landowners, those
whose land adjoins a watercourse, are required under common law to maintain watercourses,
including the removal of debris and blockages, which could cause an obstruction to
the flow of water on their land, or downstream if washed away, as well as maintenance
of the bed and banks, and any trees or shrubs growing on the banks. Where a stream
or culvert becomes silted up, choked with weeds, or the flow of water has been obstructed
causing flood risk to others, the Environment Agency and local authorities have statutory
powers to require the relevant person to maintain the flow of the watercourse. The
Environment Agency has published guidance on owning a watercourse on <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/owning-a-watercourse"
target="_blank">GOV.UK</a>. By April 2024, new engagement guidance will be published
to help Risk Management Authorities, Environment Agency staff, and landowners have
more effective conversations on this matter.</p><p> </p><p>The Government’s Flood
and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Policy Statement sets out what we expect
from those responsible for all assets and watercourses – including risk management
authorities, other public and community organisations, the private sector and riparian
owners – to invest in ongoing maintenance and ensure timely repairs where necessary.</p><p>
</p><p>Defra has commissioned an independent review of statutory powers and responsibilities
associated with FCERM assets across all flood risks and coastal erosion. The review
started work in 2021 and is expected to report this spring. This will review whether
current mechanisms and legal powers are clear and effective and relevant expertise
is shared; this includes the non-statutory powers and responsibilities of riparian
landowners and asset owners. The review team is working closely with key stakeholders
to ensure that it considers good practice and practitioner concerns, within the sector.
Defra will consider its findings after publication.</p>
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