About Section 19 flood investigations

Under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (GOV.UK) the council, as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), has a duty to investigate certain incidents of flooding.

A Section 19 flood investigation report is a public statement of the circumstances of a flood event and what organisations have a role in managing the risks. Only when Liverpool City Council carries out a 'formal' flood investigation must it publish the results of the investigation.

On becoming aware of a flood of significant scale or frequency within the city, the Council will (to the extent it is considered necessary or appropriate) formally investigate the role and response of the relevant organisations which are involved.  

The need to investigate an incident of flooding is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Council, which takes into account factors such as uncertainty in the cause of flooding and the number of properties which have been internally flooded.

It is not the responsibility of the council or the Investigating Officer to resolve the incident, however investigations will look at the flooding issue in detail and try to establish what happened, what was affected and why.

The report may also suggest ways of reducing the risk, but it is not intended to provide solution or mitigation options and the council has no legal powers to enforce any recommendations contained within the report.

When flooding has occurred, communities understandably feel anxious and want answers right away. Flood investigation reports can be large complex documents, which requires lots of coordination and take time to prepare. It is important for communities to see the Section 19 report as a first step, rather than the final solution.

The Section 19 investigation reports are carried out in accordance with best practice guidance from the North West Regional Flood & Costal Committee  (RFCC) Technical Advisory Group.