Conference notes:

1. That the consequences of climate change are already having an impact on many Scottish communities, the economy and public services.
2. That major flood incidents across Scotland, affecting communities from Milnathort to Kingussie and many more, took place in December 2006, and raised serious doubts about the adequacy of existing flood prevention mechanisms to respond to changing weather patterns.
3. That the Bellwin Scheme is the major vehicle for funding from the Scottish Executive to local authorities dealing with the aftermath of emergencies.
4. The recent publication by SEPA of maps assessing the long term flood risk right across Scotland.

Conference believes:

1. That the Scottish Liberal Democrats should be at the forefront of tackling the consequences as well as the causes of climate change.
2. That the resources available to local authorities to tackle both short-term effects of flooding and to deliver longer term solutions should be expanded to recognise the increasing frequency of major events.
3. That taking prompt action to prevent recurring flooding is a crucial part of achieving best value for money.

Conference calls For:

1. The Bellwin scheme to be broadened to apply to routinely uninsured risks such as road infrastructure, where spending by councils responding to emergencies exceeds an appropriate threshold.
2. A one-off programme of investment in fast-track projects to make Scotland ready for the challenges of climate change including:
   
   1. Long term ‘soft engineering’ solutions to flooding such as using Land Management Contracts to safeguard natural flood plains and ensure problems are being resolved and not simply displaced.
   2. Capital investment in renewing, reinforcing and – if necessary – re-routing lifeline infrastructure where it is vulnerable to serious damage by floodwaters.
3. A review of the process and resources allocated to securing Flood Prevention Orders – both by local authorities and the Scottish Executive – to ensure that delays are kept to an absolute minimum, and that a clear standard for maintenance of waterways and drains is included in schemes where that is part of the best available solution.