Central
The central government is in charge of UK water legislation and policy, in close cooperation with regional governments
Regional
England
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for:
The Environment Agency is responsible for:
- preparation of RBMPs and FRMPs,
- monitoring of water bodies and identification and monitoring of protected areas under the WFD,
- implementation of the WFD,
- coordination of public participation.
Wales
National Assembly for Wales is responsible for:
- approving RBMPs and FRMPs.
The Welsh Government is responsible for:
- supporting NRW on the practical implementation of the WFD,
- carrying out economic analysis required by the WFD,
- developing a national FRMP.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is responsible for:
- producing and updating RBMPs and FRMPs at river basin level,
- monitoring of waters and identification and monitoring of protected areas under the WFD,
- implementation of the WFD,
- coordination of public participation.
Scotland
Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is responsible for:
- coordinating all administrative bodies and reports to the Commission,
- developing the RBMP,
- monitoring the implementation of the RBMP.
Scottish Water is responsible for:
- assessing the risk of flood from surface water and combined sewers,
- providing technical support to the local authorities for the preparation of FRMP,
- providing drinking water supply, sewerage and waste water treatment services.
Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Environmental Agency (NIEA) within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is responsible for:
- the implementation of the WFD and the FD,
- preparing the RBMPs and the FRMPs,
- monitoring and enforcing compliance,
- monitoring quality and quantity of ground water,
- ensuring public participation through WFD Stakeholder Fora,
- coordinating with the Republic of Ireland on the two International River Basins.
Northern Ireland Water, a government-owned company, is responsible for:
- provision of water and sewerage in Northern Ireland.
Gibraltar
The Department of Environment and Climate Change of the Government of Gibraltar is responsible for:
- compliance with all the provisions of the WFD and the FD.
The Environmental Agency of Gibraltar is responsible for environmental monitoring.
Local
England:
- Counties (acting as Lead Local Flood Authorities) produce local flood risk management strategies,
- District and Borough Councils carry out flood risk management works on minor watercourses.
Wales:
- County Councils (acting as Lead Local Flood Authorities) produce local FRMPs.
Scotland:
- Local Plan Districts are responsible for:
- Preparing FRMPs and Flood Risk Management Strategies,
- Ensuring public participation,
- Enforcing the RBMP.
Northern Ireland:
- Local authorities give input to the River Basin District Advisory Councils in the RBMP and FRMP drafting process.
Local authorities across the UK provided input the preparation of RBMPs, FRMPs and local plans, including via Local Advisory Groups.
Responsible ministries/bodies
Central
Regional
Local
- England: Greater London Borough, Counties, District and Borough Councils
- Wales: County Councils
- Scotland: Local Councils
- Northern Ireland: District Councils
Sources
