Thames regional flood and coastal committee: composition change

We are holding this consultation on citizen space.

This consultation will run from 3 August 2026 to 13 September 2026.

Consultation description

Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCCs) are committees established by the Environment Agency under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. They bring together:

• members appointed by lead local flood authorities (LLFAs)
• independent members with relevant experience

There are 12 Committees in England. Each has a Chair appointed by Defra.

We have 1 change to the RFCCs that we would like your views on.

Variation of the composition of Thames RFCCs

In December 2024, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution wrote to all councils in remaining two-tier areas and neighbouring small unitaries. This set out plans for a joint programme of devolution and local government reorganisation.

In October 2025, a written ministerial statement was made to Parliament. This set out the Secretary of State’s decision to implement the proposal for 2 unitary councils in Surrey.

In March 2026, The Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness signed the Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026. This implemented the decision of the Secretary of State to abolish the existing district and county councils in Surrey and create 2 new councils from 1 April 2027. These are:

• East Surrey Council
• West Surrey Council

The new leaders of the councils were elected in May 2026.

This means a change to the constituent authority composition of Thames RFCC. There are no proposed changes to the number of LLFA members or independent members in the RFCCs. But we are required under legislation to consult on any potential changes.

How to respond

You can view the consultation document and questions on citizen space. You can respond online, by email, or by post.