One flood defence in Bedford borough is below the standards set to protect homes and businesses, according to new BBC analysis of flood defences in England.
Data from the BBC Shared Data Unit, based on Environment Agency (EA) inspection records, said that Bedford Borough has 46 flood defences, of which 34 are classed as “high-consequence assets”.
These are designed to protect multiple homes and businesses, and the BBC’s report said one is currently below the EA’s standards.
Nationally, the picture is more concerning, as of October, 8,459 flood defences across England were classed as below the required condition, including 6,498 high-consequence assets.
The EA inspections assess factors such as erosion, cracking, vegetation growth and structural wear.
Assets that do not meet the required condition do not necessarily fail, but experts warn they may perform less effectively during severe weather.
Environment Agency responsibility
The BBC Shared Data Unit also found that flood defences maintained by third parties, such as councils, private landowners and other organisations, were 45 per cent more likely to be below the required condition than those maintained directly by the Environment Agency.
Bedford Borough Council was asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) what assessment it has made of the condition of flood defences in the borough, how many assets it considers to be below standard, and how many local defences are maintained by third parties.
The council was also asked whether any defences have deteriorated due to increasingly intense rainfall and what mitigation measures are planned for winter 2025–26.
Bedford Borough Council said it does not assess the condition of flood defences along the River Great Ouse, as this is the responsibility of the Environment Agency.
It added it is unaware of any flood assets maintained by third parties and has not identified any deterioration linked to heavier rainfall.
The council said its planning system already requires robust SuDS-based drainage strategies for new developments to limit runoff and reduce pressure on flood defences
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
Update: This article was updated on 16 December 20205 at 14:11 to include a comment from Bedford Borough Council.
