On 24 November 2014, the Public Accounts Committee took evidence on flood risk management.

The Public Accounts Committee took evidence from:

• Bronwyn Hill, Accounting Officer, Defra

• Paul Leinster, Chief Executive, Environment Agency

• David Rooke, Executive Director for Flood Risk Management, Environment Agency

Severe winter flooding in 2013/14 is estimated to have cost the insurance industry over £1bn.

Following the floods the government made £270m available including £35m for defence maintenance.

The committee is considering the challenges of sustaining flood defences and the longer-term value for money of the maintenance programme.