Surface water flooding is a growing threat to businesses, critical infrastructure and millions of people across England.

As the Government presses ahead with plans for a million homes, the problem of surface water flooding will increase unless development meets a high standard of resilience. At the moment, though, despite new planning rules, many new homes are built without sustainable drainage. The Government’s current review of SuDS law and policy is a chance to simplify the range of approaches around the country and ensure that new homes are built with natural flood resilience in mind.

This report by CIWEM and WWT sets out new evidence on the quality of sustainable drainage in England and our recommendations for increasing uptake and upkeep of SuDS in a quick, affordable way.