Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee: membership change

Overview

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 RFCC

In December 2024, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution wrote to all councils in remaining 2-tier areas and neighbouring small unitaries. This set out plans for a joint programme of devolution and local government reorganisation. Government identified Surrey as a priority for restructure ahead of devolution.

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 membership 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.

Why your views matter

We are seeking feedback from all of those individuals, groups and organisations, who are affected by, or interested in, the proposed variation of the composition of the 3 affected RFCCs. This is an opportunity for you to share your views. 

RFCCs have an important role to play in flood risk management. They:

• ensure there are coherent plans for identifying, communicating and managing flood and coastal erosion risks across catchments and shorelines
• promote efficient, targeted and risk-based investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management that optimises value for money and benefits for local communities
• provide a link between the Environment Agency, LLFAs, other risk management authorities (RMAs), and other relevant bodies to bring about mutual understanding of flood and coastal erosion risks in its area

Returning your response

The consultation will run for 6 weeks from 3 August 2026 to 13 September 2026.

The closing date for responses is 13 September 2026. Any responses we receive after this date will not be included in the analysis.

You can submit your response using the online consultation form 'share your views' below.

We would like you to use this form if you are not submitting your response online. You can return it by email to:

RFCC_Correspondence@environment-agency.gov.uk using the heading Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee membership change consultation.

Or by post to:

Stuart Elks

Environment Agency

Horizon House

Deanery Road

Bristol

BS1 5AH

If you have any questions about the consultation you can email RFCC_Correspondence@environment-agency.gov.uk.