By Dave Lord

WITH HUGE swathes of Perth and Kinross devastated by flooding in recent years, the local authority is backing plans to “modernise” the approach to risk management.

The potentially catastrophic effects were never more keenly felt than in Milnathort during December 2006. Dozens were left homeless after a recently completed £500,000 flood defence scheme proved no match for the conditions.

With the global threat of climate change set to impact still further on risk management, Perth and Kinross Council is echoing calls for a new approach.

Councillors on the local authority’s environment committee are set to discuss the issue during a meeting today.

A council spokesman confirmed that modernising the approach to flood risk management would top the agenda.

“Perth and Kinross Council’s response to a national consultation on the future of flood risk management in Scotland will be considered at the meeting.”

He added, “The Scottish Government is currently consulting on the issue of how the flood risk management system can be modernised in line with the European Flood Directive.

“At present a range of organisations, including councils, are involved in addressing flooding. However, there is no single national framework within which they can all make decisions.

“The consultation proposes such a framework, with SEPA having a national remit for implementing the flood directive.”

The spokesman said local authority chiefs broadly agreed with such an aim, but he reinforced the need for a “partnership approach” and community involvement.

“The council’s response recognises the desirability of a single body leading the flood risk management process,” he said.

“However, it also calls for a partnership approach to involve local authorities and other agencies.

“It also welcomes the idea of widening community engagement in the flood risk management process, and proposals to streamline approvals for flood mitigation schemes.”

Council environment committee convener Alan Grant said, “Flood risks can never be completely eliminated.

“However, the general approach being proposed in this consultation is, I believe, the right one,” he said.

“We need to bring together all the bodies concerned with flooding, with the aspiration of reducing risks through sustainable flood management.”