Arun Flood Forum
The Arun Flood Forum was established in November 2023, with the first meeting held in February 2024. This was in response to growing concerns about flood risk and resilience across the district.
The main purpose of the Forum is to bring together the key partners and stakeholders to share information, coordinate action, and support communities in managing and dealing with flood-related issues. This involves making sure everyone understands the issues behind flooding events, the impact that development and climate change is having, and give recommendations of practical and deliverable measures which can help people district wide.
The Forum also aims to improve communication between flood risk management authorities and representatives from flood affected communities.
The Forum provides a collaborative space for representatives from Arun District Council, West Sussex County Council (the lead local flood authority), the Environment Agency, Southern Water Services, local parish and town councils, and community groups. By working together, members aim to improve local understanding of flood risk, support preparedness, and identify opportunities for joint initiatives and funding.
Objectives
There are a range of in-depth objectives that the Forum continuously work towards in efforts to bring about the greatest benefits for the district. These include:
Understanding flood risk
- assess the impacts of previous flooding and storm events
- identify which areas of the district are at highest risk of flooding
- hear from affected residents, communities, and businesses to understand real impacts
- understand how new developments influence flood risk and affect existing built‑up areas
Coordinating agencies and responsibilities
- clarify the roles and responsibilities of all agencies involved in managing flood risk
- ensure partner organisations are prepared and able to respond to flood-related issues within their duties and available resources
- review procedures for flood prevention, emergency response, and recovery
Improving flood prevention and preparedness
- review what we already do to reduce flood risk and identify where more measures are needed
- make sure staff get the training they need and can share information effectively
- make recommendations for action by Arun District Council and partner agencies
Community engagement and support
- establish how local communities can be involved in flood‑prevention planning, response, and recovery
- improve communication between communities and flood‑management authorities
Funding and policy influence
- identify and pursue funding opportunities that support flood‑related projects and initiative
- ensure the council's interests are represented in regional and national flood‑policy development and funding discussions
Arun's Environment Committee
The Forum currently meets twice a year with reports presented to Arun District Council's Environment Committee. This ensures that its work is aligned with broader environmental priorities and that key findings can be considered in council decision-making as well as in partnership working.
Through collaboration, open dialogue and shared expertise, the Arun Flood Forum plays a vital role in helping to build a safer, more resilient future for residents and businesses across the district and will continue to do so.
Find meetings, minutes and reports for the Environment Committee here.
Flood Forum meetings
Find meetings, minutes and reports for the Flood Forum here:
Environment Committee - 29 January 2026 - Flood Forum report - Agenda item 11, page 209 of PDF
Environment Committee - 26 June 2025 - Flood Forum report - Agenda item 8, page 29 of PDF
Environment Committee - 30 January 2025 - Flood Forum report - Agenda item 6, page 17 of PDF
Environment Committee - 19 September 2024 - Flood Forum report - Agenda item 12, page 195 of PDF
Environment Committee - 20 June 2024 - Flood Forum report - Agenda item 8, page 55 of PDF
Environment Committee - 19 March 2024 - Flood Forum report - Agenda item 9, page 91 of PDF
Useful websites
There are numerous useful websites and resources out there relating to drainage, flooding, and flood risk; from reporting flooding to understanding responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Local Government Association - roles and responsibilities
Information about what key organisations (many are part of the Flood Forum) do in relation to flooding and policies.
West Sussex County Council - flood risk management
The West Sussex County Council's (WSCC) page on flood risk management. They are the lead local flood authority and here you will find information about all the ways they manage flood risk.
A government website in which you can see flood warnings and alerts based on where you search.
Southern Water - who is responsible for flooding?
Information regarding what organisations are responsible for and what they do after flooding events.
Arun District Council - flooding information
Our own page with lots of important flooding information.
Our own water page with important information including responsibilities, reporting, surface water planning requirements, land drainage consent, private water supplies, and specific information on the Lidsey Catchment Area.
An external webpage which explains landowner responsibilities in reference to maintaining watercourses.
Live data
An interactive platform where you can see water levels, groundwater levels, flow, and rainfall from certain gauge stations across the UK.
Reports of recent and current groundwater levels across Hampshire and Sussex.
Check predicted weather forecasts
Southern Water - Rivers and Seas Watch
An interactive map which shows up to date information on storm overflow releases into bathing waters.
Flood risk
gov.uk - flood map for planning
Government website showing flood risk information for planning in England along with interactive maps to see areas at risk of flooding.
Reporting flooding in Arun
If you have experienced flooding in your home, business, or just seen it out in the district, here is where you can report it:
Arun District Council - reporting drainage problems
This is our own webpage which has specific links for each type of suspected flooding and who to contact in the event of each.
West Sussex County Council - reporting flooding
As the lead local flood authority, WSCC has this page for reporting flooding you may have experienced, including road flooding.
Southern Water - report a flooded or blocked sewer
Here you can report a blocked or flooded sewer.
gov.uk - report a flood or possible cause of flooding
The government website provides a list of who you contact depending on what the suspected source of the flood is.
gov.uk - report water pollution in England
Use to report water pollution.
Emergency contact numbers
Arun District Council
01903 737500
Southern Water Services
0330 303 0368
Environment Agency
0345 988 1188 (24 Hour Floodline)
0800 80 70 60 (Incident Hotline)
West Sussex County Council
01243 642105
Arun FloodSmart Campaign
In line with the work of the Arun Flood Forum, Arun District Council developed the 'FloodSmart' social media campaign to help residents better understand local flood risks and how to prepare for them. The campaign shares practical tips, and guidance on staying safe before, during and after flooding.
You can explore all FloodSmart posts here.