Recipient

Environment Agency

First report 6 Oct 2014•Latest report 8 Sep 2025

Recipient record

Reports, concerns and published responses

Other public bodies · Environmental regulator. This page brings together reports naming this recipient and response statements clearly connected to concerns raised in those reports.

Reports
4

Naming this recipient

Published responses
100%

Found for named reports

Concerns addressed
6

Across all linked responses

Stated actions
22

Described in responses

Reports over time

Reports over time

Reports naming this recipient by issue year.

Evidence profile

Report topics

Share of this recipient’s reports compared with all other recipients.

100%published responses found
22stated actions described

Topic comparisons are not available in the current evidence snapshot.

Concerns and recipient responses

Statements from Environment Agency linked to the concerns in each report. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

  1. Derby and Derbyshire

    AI-generated summary

    Maureen Gilbert · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Maureen Gilbert, who was 83 years old, drowned in her home on 21 October 2023 after flood waters entered her property during Storm Babet. The report raises concern that the absence of flood defences at Tapton Terrace leaves residents, particularly those who may be elderly, vulnerable or immobile, at risk of life.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Environment Agency; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of flood defences at Tapton Terrace

    Wider context from the report

    “Following the flood damage to Tapton Terrace in 2007, the Environment Agency’s pre-feasibility study identified a number of technically feasible options that would reduce the flood risk at Tapton Terrace. None of these measures were implemented principally due to cost reasons. When Storm Babet hit in October 2023, Tapton Terrace remained in the same position that it was in back in 2007. Due to the ongoing lack of flood defences, Tapton Terrace remains vulnerable to flooding. I am concerned that this gives rise to a risk to life, particularly in respect of residents who may be elderly, vulnerable or immobile. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Carry out updated modelling in 2026 to support Derbyshire County Council’s study of the flood-risk benefits of removing Crow Lane Bridge.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We are working with Derbyshire County Council to support them with their investigations into the removal of the Crow Lane Bridge, which is a County Council adopted highway asset. In 2026, we will include updated modelling work as part of the study to be prepared by the County Council in order to assist their technical understanding of the flood risk benefits of removing the bridge. As noted in the Pre-Feasibility Study in 2008, removal of the bridge may provide some limited benefit to the area immediately upstream of Tapton Terrace itself.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 3 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Continue winter maintenance walkovers of the river channel at Tapton Terrace and take action on identified vegetation-management needs.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We will continue to carry out winter maintenance walkovers of the river channel at Tapton Terrace to check the need for vegetation management as part of our ongoing risk management of main river channels and take action accordingly.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lead appraisal of the River Hipper Flood Alleviation Scheme to assess upstream floodwater storage and potential flood-risk reduction.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We are currently leading the appraisal of the River Hipper Flood Alleviation Scheme. The scheme would contribute to a further reduction in flood risk to the community at Tapton Terrace through the storage of floodwaters upstream, thereby reducing peak flows.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Replaced and launched the more advanced, user-focused and resilient ‘Get flood warnings’ service on GOV.UK.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “After flood events we validate the accuracy of our flood warnings and make improvements where necessary. Over time we also improve our IT systems that provide the warnings and improve our flood forecasting models that predict the timing and extent of flooding. In response to the increasing challenges posed by future flood risks we have replaced our existing ‘Sign up for flood warnings’ service on GOV.UK with a more advanced, user-focused, and resilient service.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 3 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Conducted river-channel surveys in 2024 to compare the Tapton Terrace channel profile with earlier surveys and inform flood-risk management.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “As you know from the evidence we presented, the Agency carried out river channel surveys in 2024 following Storm Babet in order to compare the river channel against earlier surveys carried out in 2011. The 2024 surveys demonstrated that the profile of the river channel has remained static with negligible changes over the period since 2011. Based upon this evidence, we remain of the view that dredging the river channel at Tapton Terrace would not provide any flood risk benefit to the community. If there is a more significant increase in the level of the riverbed or other significant changes in profile in the future, then the Agency would work with riparian owners to assess whether dredging works would be possible and take action where necessary.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Commence a Strategic Outline Case study in 2026 to reassess technically feasible, environmentally acceptable and cost-beneficial flood-defence options at Tapton Terrace.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “However, from April 2026 we anticipate that revised appraisal and funding rules will be brought into effect that might result in a different outcome at pre-feasibility stage. Therefore, we propose to undertake a further study (now referred to as Strategic Outline Case) to reassess the technically feasible, environmentally acceptable, and cost beneficial flood defence options at Tapton Terrace under the new rules when in force. The study will involve carrying out updated modelling and appraisal work. We are of course unable to predict the outcome of the study or guarantee that this will result in a feasible and affordable flood defence scheme being delivered at Tapton Terrace, however we will commence the process of undertaking the study in 2026.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Continue improving Flood Warning Service systems and processes, including working with communities to increase warning-service sign-up rates.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Agency will continue to take action to improve our systems and processes in order to provide the best Flood Warning Service that we can, which includes working with communities to improve sign-up rates. We will continue to work with national experts and decision makers to improve flood resilience and to create climate resilience in line with our national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 3 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Continue working with flood-risk partners to develop natural flood-management and storage schemes upstream within the River Rother catchment.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We are continuing to work with flood risk partners such as Derbyshire County Council to develop other flood alleviation schemes, including further natural flood management and storage within the River Rother catchment upstream of Tapton Terrace. Such an approach is consistent with the Agency’s Catchment Flood Management Plan for Chesterfield.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Compulsory purchase of Tapton Terrace properties cannot be undertaken because no feasible flood scheme requires their removal.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Compulsory purchase is a legal function that allows certain public bodies to acquire land or rights over land for a specific purpose, if the landowner is not willing to sell by agreement. Conceivably, the appropriate public body could seek to compulsory purchase all the properties at Tapton Terrace in order to eliminate the risk to life from flooding at this location. The purchase of the properties would be carried out through a Compulsory Purchase Order. The Environment Agency has compulsory purchase powers, but these can only be used as part of the delivery of a flood risk management scheme, for example where a flood defence needs to be built in the same location of an existing property. As there is currently no feasible flood scheme at Tapton Terrace requiring the removal of the houses, we would not be able to use our compulsory purchase powers in this instance.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 3 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Based on 2024 surveys, dredging the river channel would not provide flood-risk benefit to Tapton Terrace.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Improving the capacity of a river channel can help to reduce flood risk by improving channel conveyance. Improvements can include raising the height of, or removing, constraints such as bridges. Improvements can also include maintenance activities such as dredging and vegetation management. Before being carried out, the Agency would consider any downstream impacts that might arise so that flood risk is not increased downstream, as well an assessment of their overall sustainability.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Flood defence options cannot currently be delivered because appraisal rules and increased construction costs make them unaffordable.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Tapton Terrace Pre-Feasibility Study from April 2008 recommended that the proposed storage areas on the River Hipper and at the Avenue were taken forward to feasibility stage or beyond. The Pre-Feasibility Study confirmed that there were no affordable options to deliver flood defences at Tapton Terrace. Based upon the existing appraisal and funding rules that must be followed, together with the huge increase in construction costs in recent years, the options remain unaffordable.”

    Source location

    Response from Environment Agency
    Page 1 · response
    Published 16 September 2025

    Open published response
  2. Bedfordshire and Luton

    AI-generated summary

    Names not published · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Two women were found in the River Great Ouse at Kempston Mill on 16 April 2023 after renting canoes, and both were pronounced dead at the scene. The report identifies concern that, although there was a barrier at the top of the weir, there was no similar barrier at the hazardous bottom where recirculating flow was present, particularly during high water levels.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Environment Agency; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of a physical barrier preventing access to the hazardous bottom of the weir

    Wider context from the report

    “Although there is a physical barrier to prevent access to the top of the weir, there is no similar barrier to prevent access to the bottom which appears just as hazardous in view of the re-circulating flow (or towback), particularly during time of high water levels. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Install a temporary downstream boom while reviewing options for the site, including possible weir removal.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “As a result of the review for this site, whilst the facts of the incident are being established we are taking the following actions;”

    Source location

    Response from Enviroment Agency
    Page 1 · response
    Published 23 February 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review all site options, including removal of the legacy weir.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “1. Installation of a boom downstream of the weir on a temporary basis whilst a review of all the options for the site (including the removal of the weir) is undertaken. The weir serves no operational purpose to the delivery of the Environment Agency’s functions. It is a legacy asset, inherited from a predecessor body.”

    Source location

    Response from Enviroment Agency
    Page 1 · response
    Published 23 February 2024

    Open published response
  3. Berkshire

    AI-generated summary

    Jordan Shaun Mhlanga-Veira · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Jordan Shaun Mhlanga-Veira, aged 15, got into difficulty while playing with friends in a river at a site in Cookham, Berkshire, on 31 May 2021 and subsequently drowned. He was found dead in the early hours of the following morning. The report raised concerns about the absence of safety measures at the site, including warning signs, throw ropes and buoys, and about the lack of a statutory framework for safety measures at inland waters.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Environment Agency; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to apply a comparable safety approach to non-tidal waters

    Wider context from the report

    “2. Consideration should be given to approaching safety in relation to non-tidal waters in the same or similar way that tidal waters are dealt with. Whilst some proportionality will of course be required, it may be that there is some predictability to areas of particular danger in inland waters, for instance where these are regularly used by members of the public (as was the case here), and with reference to weather, and bank holidays. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Environment Agency; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to ensure adequate safety measures at the site

    Wider context from the report

    “1. Whilst it is not a matter for the coroner at an inquest to recommend particular safety measures, I ask that safety measures at the site be reviewed urgently, to include consideration of warning signs, position of throw ropes, and consideration of buoys in the water (at the point where it becomes deep). I appreciate that many of these measures will contain both advantages and disadvantages, and this will be a matter for debate amongst the appropriate agencies referred to in this report. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Conduct public-safety risk assessments for owned or occupied assets, considering use, weather, bank holidays and water characteristics, and take empowered reasonably practicable risk-reduction steps.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “4. Where the Environment Agency owns or occupies a site and it therefore forms part of our undertaking, we are under a duty to assess the risks our assets and landholdings pose. We do this by carrying out a public safety risk assessment which identifies measures to take to reduce risk to its staff and to the public. The risk assessment will address factors such as popularity of use and the factors which influence that popularity, such as weather and bank holidays. It will also take into account factors that may be influenced by the tidal or non-tidal nature of the water body. Taking all relevant factors into account, we then take all steps that are reasonably practicable and that we are empowered to take, to reduce and control those identified risks.”

    Source location

    2021-0403-Response-from-Enviroment-Agency_Published
    Page 5 · response
    Published 29 November 2021

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Support and follow National Water Safety Forum guidance on managing safety at inland water sites.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Prevention of Accidents (‘RoSPA’) and supported by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (‘RLSS UK’). We support and follow its published guidance, ‘Managing Safety in Inland Water Sites’ https://www.flipsnack.com/rospacatalogue/rospa-managing-safety-at-inland-waters.html , guidance which was drawn to the attention of the Coroner, by ████████, during Jordan’s inquest. The guidance provides valuable advice for those in control of sites where members of the public have access to water.”

    Source location

    2021-0403-Response-from-Enviroment-Agency_Published
    Page 4 · response
    Published 29 November 2021

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Regularly inspect owned or occupied assets and review public-safety risk assessments at suitable intervals to maintain appropriate risk controls.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Reasonable steps might include, for example, putting up warning signs on a weir to warn against or inform of the risks to swimming or canoeing. We continue to inspect regularly those assets to ensure the provided risk control”

    Source location

    2021-0403-Response-from-Enviroment-Agency_Published
    Page 5 · response
    Published 29 November 2021

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Established legislation and case law concerning public safety apply to both tidal and non-tidal waters; no statutory framework is absent.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “1. We note the Coroner’s comment that there is ‘currently no statutory framework around safety measures applied to inland waters’ and we do not feel that this is the case. There is established legislation and case law concerning public safety, which applies to all waters, both tidal and non-tidal.”

    Source location

    2021-0403-Response-from-Enviroment-Agency_Published
    Page 5 · response
    Published 29 November 2021

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Central government, including the Cabinet Office and Defra, is responsible for policy decisions on inland and coastal water safety.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “7. We note the Coroner’s comment that further consideration should be given to developing water safety. Policy decisions on the matter of inland and coastal water safety are the responsibility of central government, including the Cabinet Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.”

    Source location

    2021-0403-Response-from-Enviroment-Agency_Published
    Page 6 · response
    Published 29 November 2021

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The Environment Agency has very limited capacity to introduce safety measures for swimmers entering the water at Cockmarsh Field.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “5. Under Byelaw 63(b) it is an offence to bathe in the Thames where the Environment Agency has put up a sign forbidding it. However, our powers to erect a sign in our capacity as navigation authority are limited to circumstances connected to navigation itself, not recreation. For example, under Byelaw 63(b), we could erect a sign to prohibit swimming in order to prevent interference with the public right to navigate the Thames, but not to prohibit swimming generally.”

    Source location

    2021-0403-Response-from-Enviroment-Agency_Published
    Page 2 · response
    Published 29 November 2021

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The National Trust, as landowner controlling access, has responsibility for site safety measures such as warning signs and rescue devices.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “1. Our response has been prepared following discussions with the National Trust. The National Trust is the landowner at Cockmarsh Field, Cookham and”

    Source location

    2021-0403-Response-from-Enviroment-Agency_Published
    Page 1 · response
    Published 29 November 2021

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The site is not owned or occupied by the Environment Agency, whose role there is limited to navigation authority functions.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “2. The Environment Agency is responsible for safety on waterside assets it owns, operates or occupies (such as locks, weirs and bridges). In the case of Cockmarsh Field, the scope of our role is as navigation authority for the stretch of river. We do not own or occupy the land and have no assets positioned there.”

    Source location

    2021-0403-Response-from-Enviroment-Agency_Published
    Page 5 · response
    Published 29 November 2021

    Open published response
  4. Staffordshire South

    AI-generated summary

    Kai Lambe · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Kai Lambe, aged 9, drowned in the River Dove after going down a salmon chute and sinking under the water. The report raises concern about a five-minute delay between Derbyshire receiving the emergency call and Staffordshire’s log commencing, and whether control room operators should dispatch officers immediately in urgent incidents on or near the county border.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Environment Agency; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to dispatch Derbyshire officers immediately in urgent situations occurring on or close to the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border

    Wider context from the report

    “At the inquest I heard helpful evidence from Inspector ████████ from your force. The incident which led to death took place in the River Dove which borders Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Because of local masts the initial 999 call went to Derbyshire. Derbyshire determined that the incident was in Staffordshire (emulating from the Staffordshire side of the River) and transferred the emergency call to Staffordshire. Staffordshire Officers then responded. Inspector Abbot indicated that this was in accordance with protocol although protocol does not necessarily have to be followed. There was a difference of 5 minutes between the time that the call was received by Derbyshire and the Staffordshire log commencing. In a case of a drowning child, 5 minutes can be very significant. I wonder if there is a training need for control room operators in Derbyshire to be aware to dispatch immediately Derbyshire Officers in urgent situations occurring on or close to the border between the 2 counties. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Environment Agency; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Extreme risk associated with travelling along the weir and descending the salmon chute

    Wider context from the report

    “At the inquest I was told that children have played at this location for many years. Is does however appear that travelling along the weir and going down the salmon chute is extremely risky. I believe that you have some responsibility for the site and that there is one small warning sign. Although you may already be aware of the circumstances of this tragic death and are taking action I write to you know to ask you to consider if safety measures including signage at the scene should be improved. If you feel that this is not your responsibility could you please let me know who is responsible for the location? ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Environment Agency; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Insufficient warning signage at the weir and salmon chute

    Wider context from the report

    “At the inquest I was told that children have played at this location for many years. Is does however appear that travelling along the weir and going down the salmon chute is extremely risky. I believe that you have some responsibility for the site and that there is one small warning sign. Although you may already be aware of the circumstances of this tragic death and are taking action I write to you know to ask you to consider if safety measures including signage at the scene should be improved. If you feel that this is not your responsibility could you please let me know who is responsible for the location? ”
    Open source report
Back to top

Published response patterns

Compared with other recipients in reports included in PFD Monitor

Describes published response evidence, not performance.

Published responses found

100%
100%All other recipients 58%
0%100%

How actions were described at the time

This respondent
45%41%14%
All other recipients
47%25%27%<1%<1%
  • Completed
  • In progress
  • Planned
  • Unclear
  • Partially completed

Statuses reflect what recipients said at the time. PFD Monitor does not verify whether actions happened.

Types of action described in responses

Percentages use all actions described by each group. An action may have more than one type, so percentages do not total 100%.

Information checked against published PFD reports and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026