To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what his Department’s policy is on the future of internal drainage boards; (118881)

The Government recognise Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) perform a valuable role in water level management at a local level and we see this continuing into the future.

In August 2005, DEFRA engaged JBA Consulting to undertake an independent review of IDBs in England to assess how accountable, effective and efficient they are, so that they are ready to reflect modern approaches, including the portfolio approach to flood and coastal erosion risk management advocated in our making space for water strategy.

We hope shortly to publish an implementation plan setting out a range of actions, some of which reflect existing IDB good practice such as strengthened asset and environmental management. These should help IDBs to remain fit for purpose in the 21^st Century.