Local Flood Risk Management Strategy survey
We have created a draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy with our partners, including the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water. The plan explains how we manage flood risks in York, who is responsible for different types of flooding, and what actions we take to keep people, homes, and the environment safe.
Our draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy is the document we're consulting on.
Take part in the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy survey
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Get a copy of the strategy and feedback survey sent to you via post, telephone: 01904 551550 or email: frm@york.gov.uk. Alternatively, email: frm@york.gov.uk with your comments.
This survey will take place from Sunday 19 October until Sunday 11 January 2026.
Our Flood Risk Management Strategy
The strategy:
- is a plan to manage flooding from rivers, rainfall, groundwater, and ditches
- sets out our aims and priorities for reducing flood risk
- shows the actions the council, partners, and residents can take
- outlines programmes and costs needed to achieve these goals
The law says we must have a plan. This strategy updates the 2014 version and takes account of flood events since then, including 2012 and 2015. It helps us plan how to manage flood risks now and in the future.
Who is responsible for flooding
Flooding can come from many sources. Different organisations manage different types:
- City of York Council: surface water, ditches, groundwater, roads
- Environment Agency: main rivers and the sea
- Internal Drainage Boards: low-lying watercourses and ditches
- Yorkshire Water: public sewers
- Landowners: keep water flowing through their land
As the Lead Local Flood Authority, we work with partners to respond to flooding.
How we assess flood risk
We use past flood records, river studies, computer models and work with upstream patterns.
Surface water flooding is harder to predict, so we map drains and target maintenance where it’s most needed.
How residents and partners can help
You can help by:
- keeping gullies and ditches clear of leaves and debris
- reporting blocked gullies
Road gullies are cleaned on a priority basis:
- main roads
- city centre streets
- tree-lined streets
Flood-prone areas are cleaned annually.
Other gullies are cleaned in rotation. If you report a blocked gully, we respond within 10 days.
Funding and programme timing
Our funding is dependent on the size of the area:
- small drainage works come from the council’s budget
- bigger projects may get funding from government or the regional flood committee
- actions take time because we need to collect data, plan, and secure funding
Minimising flood risk in unprotected areas
Some areas already have flood defences from past investment.
We continue to work with the Environment Agency and partners to protect areas that are not currently defended.
The Defra funded Ousewem project also uses nature-based solutions to help reduce flooding while improving water quality, wildlife, and carbon storage.
New buildings and downstream communities
New buildings must manage surface water and sewage on site to ensure neighbouring areas are not put at higher risk. This follows planning rules and is included in the Local Plan.
Updating the Strategy
The strategy is fully reviewed every 6 years or sooner if new data or events occur. Updates go through council committees and the Executive for approval.