Section 19 Flood Investigations

What are Section 19 Flood Investigations?

Following the passing of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (RBWM) became the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for the borough. Section 19 of this act was implemented shortly after, and states when flooding occurs in its area, the LLFA must:

• Investigate (to an appropriate extent), which risk management authorities have relevant flood risk management functions and assess whether they have exercised or are proposing to exercise these functions as a response.

• Publish the results of an investigation when appropriate and notify the relevant risk management authorities (RMAs).

The above Act does not require the LLFA to identify all the causes and parties responsible for the flooding. It only requires to us to identify RMAs with relevant flood risk management functions. Most investigations will uncover both criteria, regardless, RBWM will work with all parties to try and resolve the issues.

Investigation reports

As highlighted, S19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, requires us to publish investigation reports when necessary.

The council uses a number of criteria to determine if a formal report is required. This includes but is not limited to the numbers of internally flooded properties, the impact of infrastructure and the frequency of flooding, or when the LLFA deems appropriate.

Please note that these criteria are used as a guide only and do not compel the LLFA to complete a detailed Section 19 investigation. The LLFA may ultimately use its discretion to determine whether it is proportionate and appropriate to launch an investigation into a flood event. If the decision is taken to launch a Section 19 investigation, it will as a minimum consist of stating which RMAs had relevant risk management functions and whether each of those RMAs exercised, or proposes to exercise, those functions. Any additional information will be discretionary.

For all other enquiries please email the Flood Risk team, who can be contacted at: Flooding.Enquiries@rbwm.gov.uk

All completed S19 Flood Investigation reports, are available as PDF documents below:

January 2024 - Flooding from the River Thames associated with Storm Henk