Have your say on York’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

City of York Council has worked with key partners including the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water to prepare a draft Local Flood Risk Management strategy. The draft opened for consultation on 19 October and will run until the 11 January at www.york.gov.uk/consultations

The strategy updates the 2014 strategy version and reflects learnings from major flood events, including those in 2012 and 2015. It sets out how York will manage local flood risk in the years ahead, in line with the council’s legal responsibilities under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Residents and businesses are invited to share their views by completing an online questionnaire, available from 19 October.  Paper copies can be requested from West Offices and Explore libraries.  Feedback can also be emailed to FRM@york.gov.uk.

Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said:

“This revised strategy builds on significant investment in flood resilience measures York. It is an important part of how we prepare for the future impacts of climate change. Managing flood risk is a challenge we can only meet by working together, both across the city and with partners upstream.”

The updated strategy:

• Improves understanding of flood risk from all sources in York
• Aims to reduce the likelihood and impact of flooding on residents and visitors
• Sets out short and long-term measures, from slowing the flow of water upstream to ensuring planning decisions take account of flood risk
• Outlines proposed schemes to complement raised flood defences in the city and increase climate resilience over the long term

The strategy will be reviewed regularly as new information becomes available.  It will undergo a full update in 2031, in line with the national flood risk regulations cycle.

We want to hear your views.  Please visit www.york.gov.uk/floodriskstrategy to read the draft strategy, summary, and FAQs, and share your feedback before 11 January 2026.