3.132 The Government has committed to take forward the findings of Sir Michael Pitt's Review of the 2007 flooding to improve flood defences and prevent unnecessary building in areas of high flood risk.16
3.133 Over time, the Government would like to see improved standards of protection where possible, better understanding of risks among the public, and action to help communities facing the greatest risk, or who cannot afford adequate protection themselves. By developing joint solutions with local partners and potential beneficiaries, the Government aims, where possible and affordable, to be able to maintain and improve standards of protection over time to offset the impacts of climate change.
3.134 Specifically, the Government aims to ensure that by 2015:
• 145,000 households in England are better protected against flood and coastal erosion risk;
• 97 per cent of defence assets in high consequence flood systems are at, or above, target condition; and
• 66 per cent of households and businesses in the highest risk areas are signed up to receive the Floodline Warnings Direct service.
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16 The Government's Response to Sir Michael Pitt's Review of the Summer 2007 Floods, Defra, 2008