National Drought Group: Weekly Meetings Amid Extreme Weather Intensify

• The National Drought Group has shifted its meetings from bi-weekly to weekly as drought conditions intensify across England.
• The group will provide regular updates on the government's response to extreme weather, including potential changes to water usage regulations or flood risk assessments.
• England faces its driest July in 190 years, with a dry start to August and five widespread heatwaves.
• The government is investing at least £10.5 billion by March 2036 in new flood and coastal erosion schemes and repairing existing defences.
• The National Drought Group's efforts are part of a broader climate adaptation strategy aimed at protecting people, livelihoods, and the environment from drought and flooding impacts.

This summer has been extremely challenging for farmers and for wildlife, and the rain we have seen this week is desperately needed.

The National Drought Group has shifted its meetings from bi-weekly to weekly as drought conditions intensify across England. This decision follows a COBR meeting chaired by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, which marked a further step in the government's response to extreme weather threats. The group, comprising experts from various sectors, including the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, and conservationists, met this afternoon to discuss the current drought situation, sectoral actions, and future plans. They focused on safeguarding people, livelihoods, and the environment amidst worsening drought conditions.

The meeting comes as England faces its driest July in 190 years, with a dry start to August and five widespread heatwaves. The National Drought Group's weekly meetings will provide regular updates on the government's response to extreme weather, including potential changes to water usage regulations or flood risk assessments.

The government is investing at least £10.5 billion by March 2036 in new flood and coastal erosion schemes and repairing existing defences. The Environment Agency has completed 250 projects over the last two years, protecting almost 62,000 properties from flooding. These efforts are part of the government's climate adaptation strategy, which includes increased flood funding and the construction of nine new reservoirs to secure future water supplies. The National Drought Group's weekly meetings will likely address potential changes to water usage regulations or flood risk assessments in response to extreme weather conditions.

The Environment Agency Chief Executive, Philip Duffy, emphasized that drought is only over once rivers, reservoirs, and groundwaters are completely replenished, which can take months of significant and sustained rainfall. He also noted the possibility of simultaneous drought and flood due to heavy rain falling on compacted soils.

The National Drought Group's weekly meetings are crucial for lawyers and compliance officers to monitor, as they will provide updates on the government's response to extreme weather. This includes potential changes to water usage regulations or flood risk assessments, which can impact businesses and individuals alike. The group's efforts are part of a broader climate adaptation strategy aimed at protecting people, livelihoods, and the environment from the impacts of drought and flooding.

Rural Communities Minister Jenny Riddell-Carpenter emphasized that the government is working 'in lock-step' with fire services, local authorities, and across government to provide support and protect people and nature. The minister acknowledged the real pressure on farmers and the environment due to drought conditions and highlighted the need for everyone's help in making current water reserves last.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the National Drought Group's weekly meetings for updates on the government's response to extreme weather, including potential changes to water usage regulations or flood risk assessments.

Source: Original reporting via GOV.UK