Flood Victims Cry Out for National Hotline to Expert Aid

According to a report by the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), flood victims in the UK are in desperate need of a single national hotline to access expert assistance. The report found that public awareness of flood risks is "dangerously low", with many people not understanding how to respond to warnings or protect their homes.

The EAC also flagged that there is currently no "single point of national accountability" for flood management, as responsibilities are "fragmented" across different authorities, and their coordination is inconsistent. This has left around 6.3 million homes and businesses in England at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, or surface water.

The committee has called on the Government to establish a national flood reporting and information service by March 2026, which would provide a "clear point of contact" for all flooding-related issues. They believe this would be a crucial step in helping flood victims feel that the state has their back and that they are not alone in their time of need.

The EAC has also requested the Government to clarify who is accountable for flood risk management and to strengthen the mandate of the Environment Agency, which is currently urging millions in the UK to "get flood ready" ahead of the upcoming Flood Action Week.