Commentaries

Infrastructure, housing and the floods: some lessons

27th July 2007 commentary

The recent floods have tested electricity and water infrastructure to its limits, and they have also provided an insight into the preparedness and performance of the key public agencies - notably the Environment Agency (EA). And with an ironic twist, the announcements of the government housing and transport plans have coincided with the submergence of much of the upper Thames flood plain. Not surprisingly, the government quickly announced a review - but it remains to be seen whether the lessons will be learnt.