3. About the FCERM appraisal
This section describes the policy context for FCERM appraisal and the roles and responsibilities of organisations doing an appraisal.
Why you should appraise
You should use your appraisal as an opportunity to work with stakeholders and local partners to:
- investigate the resilience of communities to flood and coastal change
- understand the risks posed by flooding and coastal erosion
- investigate how risks will change over time, including for a range of future climate change scenarios
- explore a range of existing and innovative ways to reduce those risks to communities, the economy and the environment
- adopt more sustainable solutions and those that work with nature
- recommend specific actions and investments to reduce flood and coastal erosion risks and contribute to improving community resilience
Policy and legal context for FCERM appraisal
If you follow the FCERM appraisal guidance you should make sure that your FCERM appraisal and business case for FCERM investment is consistent with the policy and legal context.
The main policy and legal context you need to be aware of is:
- Defra’s flood and coastal erosion risk management: policy statement (2020) – sets out government’s long-term ambition to create a nation which is more resilient to flood and coastal erosion risk
- Defra’s appraisal of FCERM: Defra policy statement – contains policies and guidance for operating authorities and others involved in FCERM appraisal and includes links to HM Treasury arrangements through the Green Book.
- The National FCERM Strategy – explains the wider legal framework for managing flooding and coastal change in England that all RMAs must act in accordance with when carrying out their FCERM functions
Roles and responsibilities in FCERM
Different organisations have different roles in the FCERM appraisal process.
Defra
Defra sets outs the policy context for FCERM appraisal. It funds FCERM activities using FCERM GIA. Funding for capital investments is covered by the Flood and Coastal Resilience Partnership Funding Policy.
Environment Agency
The secretary of state delegates responsibility to the Environment Agency to approve and pay capital FCERM GIA in England for:
- flood risk management projects and strategies
- studies by local authorities (LAs) and internal drainage boards (IDBs)
- coastal erosion projects
- studies by maritime local authorities
The FCERM projects and funding pages explain RMAs can apply for this funding and how it is administered by the Environment Agency.
Local authorities and internal drainage boards
LAs can work on flood and sea defences which are not managed by the Environment Agency or IDBs.
Maritime local authorities may also carry out works which protect against coastal erosion.
IDBs carry out FCERM within districts with special drainage needs.
Other organisations
Other organisations with FCERM responsibilities include:
- Highways England and others with responsibility for roads
- Transport for London
- water and wastewater companies
- electricity providers
- Network Rail
- the emergency services
- the Met Office
Third parties
You should work with third parties when you develop your appraisal. This guidance suggests ways to identify and work with third-party contributors. This is also explained in the partnership funding guidance.
The general requirements of FCERM appraisal
You should follow certain approaches when doing your FCERM appraisal.
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Adopt a risk-based approach You should assess the probability and the positive and negative consequences of flooding and erosion and how these change over time. Include effects such as climate change. You’ll make allowances for uncertainties, so they inform your decisions.
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Adopt a proportionate approach The resources you put into your appraisal must match the scale and implications of your proposal.
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Work within the hierarchy of FCERM decision-making You must appraise within the context and requirements of the National FCERM Strategy and other high-level policy and strategies.
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Work with others throughout the appraisal process
You should work with all stakeholders to:
- establish a common understanding and ownership of the problem
- develop partnership working
- achieve multiple objectives
- improve efficiency
- identify wider approaches for managing flood risks
Working with stakeholders allows you to consider other policies and objectives.
This can help:
- avoid risks, for example through wider planning controls
- create multiple benefits
- provide more or improved environmental benefits
- put adaption into place through planning policies and land management
- encourage resilience and flood awareness
5 . Integrate environmental assessment You must integrate environmental assessment in all stages of your appraisal and decision-making.
Your environmental assessment must meet relevant legislative requirements to:
- protect the environment
- encourage working with natural processes
- adapt to climate change
- conserve environmental assets
You can carry out an environmental assessment at:
- strategic level, using a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for your plans and programmes
- scheme level, using an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for projects
6 . Use SEA and EIA
You must use EIA principles in the development of your FCERM appraisal project. It is a best practice requirement on all FCERM projects even where your appraisal subsequently shows that a formal EIA is not a statutory required.
Use SEA and EIA to:
- understand the environmental effects of options
- minimise adverse environmental effects
- provide environmental opportunities