To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the (a) timetable and (b) purpose is of the revision to planning policy guidance on flood plains and flooding; and if she will make a statement. (95876)

We expect to publish a new planning policy statement 25 later this year. This will strengthen and clarify planning policy to ensure that flood risk is taken into account at all stages in the planning process to avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding, and to direct development away from areas at highest risk. Where new development is, exceptionally, necessary in such areas, policy aims to make it safe, without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and, where possible, reducing flood risk overall.