Scotland gets new flood-risk plan

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Homeowners in Scotland should be able to rely less on their home insurance during torrential downpours now legislation aimed at improving flooding protection has been launched.

The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill will speed up the development and implementation of new flood defences, the Scottish Government has said.

The legislation also aims to create a more co-ordinated process of flood risk management. The Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament after one of the wettest summers on record in Scotland.

Environment secretary Richard Lochhead visited Edinburgh's Water of Leith - where flooding eight years ago left more than 500 homes damaged, although a flood prevention scheme has since been put in place.

Mr Lochhead said: "The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill will help deliver better protection for vulnerable communities from the increased risk of flooding."

Measures included in the Bill are a framework for co-ordination and co-operation between all the organisations involved in flood risk management, as well as new responsibilities for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Water and local authorities for flood risk management.

It also proposes new methods to allow both the public and others to contribute to managing flood risk, along with a new single enforcement agency for the safe operation of reservoirs.

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