CIC warmly welcomes the publication of the FloodReady Report, a landmark document outlining the UK’s progress and future strategy for flood resilience across communities, infrastructure, and the built environment.
The review, which has been led by Professor Peter Bonfield OBE, builds on the 2016 action plan and reflects input from a large number of construction, finance, housing, research, and community stakeholders.
CIC has been actively engaged in the development of the report with CIC Chief Executive, Graham Watts OBE, serving on the leadership group of the Environment Agency and Defra’s Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Review.
His contribution reflects CIC’s long-standing commitment to improving climate resilience and sustainable construction practices across the sector.
Graham Watts commented: “The FloodReady Report is a vital step forward in recognising the role of the built environment in mitigating flood risk. I am delighted to have contributed to this work on behalf of CIC, which highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the need to embed resilience into every stage of planning, design, and construction.”
Key themes in the report include:
- A coherent and growing demand
- Trusted and accessible products and services
- Trusted sources of information
- Reducing water run off at property level
- The regulatory and legislative
- Research and innovation to enable a thriving PFR market
The FMB also supports the Review’s emphasis on skills, standards, and accessible products to help builders integrate flood resilience into everyday work, ensuring homes are better protected and communities recover faster after flooding.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB and a member of the Property Flood Resilience Task Force, said: “Flooding is one of the most pressing climate challenges facing our homes and communities, and the FloodReady Review sets out a clear roadmap for action. Making property flood resilience as routine as insulation or fire safety will require strong standards, accessible products, and a skilled workforce. SME builders are central to this effort. They have the expertise and local knowledge to deliver practical measures like flood doors, raised electrics, and permeable paving that protect homes and help families recover faster.
“The FMB welcomes the Review’s emphasis on collaboration across government, insurers, and industry, and we believe licensing builders is key to raising standards and consumer confidence. By improving training, embedding clear standards, and ensuring homeowners can access trusted products and services, we can make flood resilience a normal part of building and retrofit work. This is an opportunity to future-proof homes, support communities, and create new business opportunities for local builders.”
A copy of the report can be downloaded here.
