West Sussex Calls on Local Communities to Help Improve Flood Planning

As the lead local flood authority, the Council is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring flood risk management efforts. The updated strategy outlines specific actions for the next five years, focusing on partnerships with water companies, district and borough councils, the Environment Agency, landowners, and local communities.

Why Community Feedback Matters

Public input is vital in shaping an effective flood risk management strategy. Engaging with local communities helps ensure that flood prevention efforts are practical, inclusive, and aligned with real-world challenges. Community feedback is essential because:

• Local knowledge improves accuracy – Residents and businesses can highlight recurring flood issues, drainage concerns, and previous flood events that may not be reflected in official data.
• Better decision-making – Understanding public concerns allows the Council to develop targeted and effective flood mitigation strategies.
• Increased awareness and engagement – Encouraging participation fosters a sense of shared responsibility and prepares communities for potential flooding.
• Collaborative solutions – Flooding requires a joint effort from government agencies, businesses, and residents to create effective solutions.
• Tailored strategies – Public input ensures that flood management policies meet the needs of both residential and commercial areas, including vulnerable populations.
• Trust and transparency – Public consultation builds trust by demonstrating that residents and businesses have a voice in local decision-making.
• Long-term resilience – With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of flooding, ongoing engagement helps strategies evolve to meet future challenges.

Last September, the Council surveyed to gather insights into residents’ experiences with flooding. That feedback helped shape the current draft strategy, which is now open for public review before moving to the next stage.

Community Collaboration is Key

Councillor Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of working together:

“Flooding can have a devastating impact on our communities, businesses, infrastructure, and environment. The rapid pace of climate change means that the likelihood and severity of flooding is increasing. West Sussex is affected by multiple sources of flood risk, from rivers, watercourses and the sea, to surface and groundwater.”

She highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to flood risk management:

“Water does not respect administrative boundaries or organisational structures, which makes flood risk management a complex business. It has to be done in partnership with the County Council, water companies, Environment Agency, local communities, landowners and property owners all working together.”

The Council encourages all residents and businesses to take part in the survey to ensure their perspectives are considered in shaping the final strategy.

For more information and to participate in the survey, visit the County Website before the deadline.