The Scottish Government

The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 (the Act), which received Royal Assent on June 16, 2009, has important implications for local authorities.

To assist local authorities in preparing for the implementation of the Act, the Scottish Government has prepared three short briefing notes. These briefs are accompanied by a covering letter describing the immediate implications of the Act.

Covering letter- including immediate implications of the Act for local authorities

Briefing note 1- Commencement, transitional arrangements and funding

• summarises the Government's timetable for commencing the Act
• sets out the likely form of transitional arrangements for moving from the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 to the new legislation, including biennial reporting, maintenance of watercourses and the transfer to the new statutory process
• outlines current and future funding arrangements.

Briefing note 2- Scottish Government implementation programme for the Act

• outlines the Government's implementation programme for the Act, including the preparation of subordinate legislation and guidance to support implementation.

Briefing note 3- Local authority responsibilities under the Act

• reviews changes to responsibilities for flood risk management in Scotland brought about by the new legislation, paying particular attention to local authority functions and the statutory timetable for key tasks set out in the Act.