The Environment Agency has welcomed Sir Michael Pitt's comprehensive final review into the 2007 summer floods as a significant contribution to managing the future flood risk in England and Wales.

In welcoming the report, Chief Executive Paul Leinster said the Environment Agency had highlighted the need for further clarity on the responsibilities for flooding from surface water drains, infrastructure protection, more publicly available information on flood risk, and additional resources to help adapt to climate change as key issues to be swiftly taken forward.

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"Sir Michael's report puts the spotlight back on the need for the country to be prepared and able to respond to the devastating impacts of flooding. He covers a wide range of topics many directly related to our work and all of which are essential to better protecting people and the environment from flooding into the future," Mr Leinster said.

"In particular, we're pleased with Sir Michael Pitt's confidence that the Environment Agency is the right organisation to be given a strategic overview role for all types of flood risk in England. We now need the Floods Bill to give us the proper tools and legislation to finish the job. Urgent action is needed now to clarify our role and that of the local authorities, and to explore the new resources that will be needed to do this job."

(CD)