Key information
Request reference number: MGLA090824-8981
Date of response:
Summary of request
Your request
Does the GLA have any role in assisting Local Lead Flood Authorities - in this case Bromley Council - when it is determined if an area is at risk of flooding from surface water? If so, could you please explain what information you supply to Bromley Council or the Environment Agency.
Our response
The Greater London Authority has no statutory duties relating to any type of flood risk. However, the Mayor recognises that surface water is the biggest flood risk facing London and so instigated Roundtables in 2021 to bring together all parties with a role on Surface water to do more together. Currently, the GLA with partners including the London Boroughs, London Councils, the Environment Agency, TfL, Thames Water and LFB are creating London’s first London-wide surface water strategy. The strategy aims to enable and deliver the step-change our city needs to increase resilience to surface water flooding, as well as improve protection for our most vulnerable. You can read about the strategy development on our website, where you will find an interim report that was recently published: London's Surface Water Strategy | London City Hall
mapping and plans. In 2011, following a £3,200,000 grant from Defra, the Drain London programme, led by the GLA, delivered surface water flood risk mapping and management plans for all 33 London local authorities, including Bromley.
The GLA have also published a map collating all the work from across London Boroughs that they have done identifying critical drainage areas. The planning for London map can be found here: Planning Data Map (london.gov.uk)
In 2022, the GLA also supported London Boroughs by providing a template, to help make sure all the relevant information on flood risk is clearly on their website, such as any Flood Investigations and consistent contact information different organisations. This was a key issue flagged following the 2021 flooding.