The National Flood Emergency Framework for England

This Framework sets out the government's strategic approach to achieving the aims set out below and is intended for use by all those involved in planning for and responding to flooding from:

• the sea;
• rivers;
• surface water;
• groundwater;
• reservoirs;
• artificial waterways and canals.

The purpose of the Framework is to :

• ensure operating authorities and delivery bodies understand their respective roles and responsibilities;
• give all players in an emergency flooding situation a common point of reference;
• establish clear thresholds for emergency response arrangements;
• place proper emphasis on the multi-agency approach to managing flooding events;
• provide clarity on the means of improving resilience and minimising the impact of flooding;
• provide a basis for individual responders to develop and review their own plans; and
• be a long term asset that will provide the basis for continuous improvement in flood emergency management.

This Framework (what it's not for) :

• is not intended to provide detailed operational guidance for individual emergency planners or responders;
• does not extend to recovery from flooding emergencies;
• does not cover localised emergency incidents.