Policy Development

RPA advises Government departments on policy development and assessment of alternative policy options, as well as commenting on and analysing proposed policies in many fields, including flood and coastal erosion risk management. 

Our work has included the assessment of barriers to changes to and implementation of polices.  We have also been involved in the identification of policy options for prioritising investment into flood risk management schemes, as well as providing data to inform policy development, such as the costs and damages associated with particular levels of spending.

Advice on Policy and Projects

RPA provides advice for those developing policies, those undertaking project appraisals or those requiring assistance with other aspects of flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM).  Our expertise has been sought in the past on all aspects of FCERM, from identifying where and how flooding may occur through identifying and monetising damages from flooding or erosion, to reporting the outcomes of appraisal and selecting a preferred option. 

North Norfolk Case Study

The final version of the Kelling to Lowestoft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) was produced in 2006 and largely reflects the shift in Government policy to being more in keeping with natural processes. As a result, there are numerous recommendations of no active intervention and retreat. The potential for significant social and community issues has made it difficult for North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) to accept the results. This project provides, through four specific study areas the necessary evidence to support bids for resources and to identify the most feasible options to assist NNDC to implement the SMP.

Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Appraisal Guidance (FCERM-AG)

RPA (working with Royal Haskoning) developed new guidance for the UK Environment Agency to replace the FCERM Project Appraisal Guidance (PAG series).  The focus was on improving the quality of economic appraisals by increasing consideration of environmental and social issues.  The revised guidance introduces a number of new best practice approaches, including the use of Appraisal Summary Tables (ASTs) to allow disaggregation of benefits, ecosystem services approaches and scoring and weighting to bring all the impacts into decision-making.   Read more and/or read/download the guidance.