Guidance

Flood risk management plans (FRMPs): how to prepare them

Guidance for the Environment Agency and lead local flood authorities to prepare FRMPs.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 1 May 2014
• Last updated: 18 May 2022 — See all updates

Applies to England

A strategic approach

FRMPs are plans to manage the risk of flooding for:

• people
• the economy
• the environment, including cultural heritage

FRMPs must be consistent with the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy for England.

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA)

SEA is a process that ensures consideration is given to the environment during the development of certain ’plans and programmes’. In doing so, it contributes to the promotion of sustainable development and environmental protection.

Detailed requirements for SEA are set out in the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (the SEA Regulations).

What a FRMP must include

The Flood Risk Regulations 2009 set out in detail what a FRMP must include.

In summary, a FRMP must include:

• a map showing the boundaries of the flood risk area(s)
• the conclusions drawn from the flood hazard and risk maps
• objectives to manage the identified risk of flooding
• the proposed measures to achieve those objectives
• the proposed timing and ways to implement the measures
• who is responsible for implementing the measures

Setting objectives to manage flood risk

Objectives must be set, considering the Flood Risk Regulations’ aims to:

• reduce the adverse consequences of flooding - for human health, economic activity and the environment
• reduce the likelihood of flooding

Measures to achieve the objectives

FRMPs must include measures to achieve the objectives.

RMAs should work with each other, communities and regional flood and coastal committees (RFCCs) to develop the measures. When developing the measures, they must consider a number of different factors which are set out in the Flood Risk Regulations.

RMAs should also consider:

• other relevant legislation
• local and national flood risk management policies and strategies

A FRMP does not guarantee that specific measures or its proposed outcomes will be achieved.

Co-ordinating FRMPs with river basin management plans (RBMPs)

Alongside flood risk management planning, the Environment Agency works with others to protect and improve the quality of the water environment. It does this through river basin management planning. In particular, FRMPs should:

• make sure that proposed measures do not cause deterioration or harm in water bodies
• make sure that proposed measures do not prevent future improvement, for example, restoration
• identify opportunities to meet the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive (WFD) England and Wales) Regulations 2017 and improve ecological status

Read the latest information regarding river basin management plans.

Consulting other organisations and the public

RMAs must consult with all relevant bodies listed under section 36(3) of the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 and the public on the FRMP. The Environment Agency must also consult RFCCs.

FRMPs must be reviewed by the Environment Agency and Lead Local Flood Authorities every 6 years. This is a requirement of the Flood Risk Regulations 2009.

Working with Scotland and Wales

Some river basin districts (RBDs) cross borders into Scotland or Wales. The Dee and Severn RBDs lie partly in Wales. The Solway Tweed RBDs lie partly in Scotland.

RMAs must work with their counterparts in Scotland and Wales when preparing FRMPs for cross-border RBDs. This is to make sure that:

• the causes and effects of flooding are understood
• any proposed cross-border interactions are mutually agreed by both sides

The Flood Risk (Cross Border Areas) Regulations 2010 set out the requirements for working together in cross-border areas in England and Scotland.

The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales must act jointly when carrying out their respective responsibilities for FRMPs for the Severn and Dee RBDs.

Published 1 May 2014
Last updated 18 May 2022 + show all updates

1. 18 May 2022

   Amended FRMPs consultation wording at the publication of the summary of response document and publication of the responses.

2. 22 January 2022

   Amended FRMP consultation wording at the close of consultation on 21 January 2022, with information about reviewing the responses.

3. 22 October 2021

   Provided information and links to consultations about draft flood risk management plans (FRMPs) and draft river basin management plans (RBMPs). Amended the setting objectives to manage flood risk, measures to achieve the objectives, and co-ordinating FRMPs with RBMPs. Also removed the reference to the European Floods Directive.

4. 28 June 2019

   Consolidated and simplified guidance for the Environment Agency and LLFAs as preparation of FRMPs is no longer a new responsibility but an established activity.

5. 8 October 2014

   A mock up of a draft FRMP for river basin districts entirely in England and for river basin districts covering both England and Wales has been added to the page.

6. 8 July 2014

   The FRMP scoping reports have been published. Text updated to reflect this and link to the FCRM scoping reports collection added.

7. 1 May 2014

   First published.