Streamlining procedures in the Land Drainage Act 1991

Some Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) may wish to make structural changes to improve their operational effectiveness and benefit from efficiencies of scale. However, the process contained in the Land Drainage Act 1991 is lengthy and bureaucratic.

This consultation set out proposals to streamline the Order making process for IDB structural reforms under section 3 and Schedule 3 of the 1991 Act. The changes would remove unnecessary delays and reduce burdens for IDBs.

The consultation also set out proposals to amend specific sections of the 1991 Act relating to advertisement of notices in newspapers by IDBs and the Environment Agency (EA). The changes would allow more flexibility in the way notices are advertised so IDBs and the EA can choose appropriate cost effective mechanisms to reach their target audience.

Any changes would apply to those IDBs wholly or mainly in England.

Defra invited the views of all stakeholders who might be affected by any of the changes discussed in the consultation. A list of consultees can be found below.

This consultation ran for 8 weeks and closed on 18 March 2013.