York floods inquiry calls for better cooperation

A major inquiry into the floods in York in December 2015 has called for a number of changes to make the city more prepared and able to respond in case of future flooding.

The independent report, commissioned by City of York Council, calls for: "closer cooperation between flood risk management agencies, the emergency services and the public."

York Central MP Rachael Maskell said the report showed "a catalogue of errors."

More than 600 properties were flooded, after 40 tonnes of water per second came down the Foss.

The inquiry concluded that the Environment Agency's decision to raise the Foss Barrier on Boxing Day 2015 "was the best option available", and "prevented rapid, deeper and more extensive flooding."

However, it says the decision to open the barrier was made without consultation with the police, council and other agencies - and recommends that the Environment Agency should discuss such decisions where possible.

The report said there were "markedly different expectations" between residents and emergency plans for flooding warnings - which needs to be addressed.

Many residents expected a personal visit from an agency to notify them of the impending flood and the need to evacuate.

Some had seen emergency responders but no direct warning was given.

Not all residents were signed up to the flood warning system.

The report recommends the Environment Agency consider looking at how quickly flood warnings can be issued, and consider the use of load hailers or installation of sirens along the urban stretch of the Foss catchment, to better warn residents.

It also recommends agencies develop plans for door-knocking to enhance flood warnings and to provide information to residents once water has receded.

It suggests City of York Council and the Environment Agency consider sending letters to residents in flood-risk areas, reminding them of flood risks and emergency plans, and encouraging them to prepare.

The inquiry also calls for improvements in identifying and supporting particularly vulnerable residents during emergencies.

It said some residents "felt unsupported, there was a lack of co-ordination between rescue agencies, a lack of information, and there was an inadequate plan in the event of problems with the Foss Barrier."

The inquiry criticised the council's customer services line, where staff found it difficult to answer queries and provide up-to-date information - and called for a better-coordinated communications and media response to inform residents in emergencies.

Further recommendations for the Environment Agency include developing its techniques for predicting and modelling river flooding, particularly on the Foss - and investigating the use of temporary and demountable barriers along the Foss and Ouse rivers.

There is a £17m programme of upgrades to the Foss Barrier - and a further £45m being spent on other flood-reduction schemes in York.

City of York Council has said that it will respond once the report has been considered in full.