DEVELOPERS who want to build houses in Worcestershire could be forced to pay for new flood defences.

As revealed in yesterday's Evening News, Floods Minister Elliot Morley has ditched proposals for a tax on householders at risk of flooding.

But he is forging ahead with plans to charge property developers who want to build on the flood plain.

This would hit parts of Worcester which have flooded in the past three years, such as Upton-upon-Severn and Bewdley.

Mr Morley said the payment - the level of which has yet to be decided - would act as a deterrent for builders.

But he said the cash could also raise revenue to pay for new flood defences. He made the announcement while unveiling the Government's review of the way cash for flood barriers is allocated.

In future, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will pay a block grant to the Environment Agency. This will replace the existing system of some cash going to the Agency and some direct to local councils, via their annual grant.

Councils will still be able to raise extra money to be spent on flood defences if they win the support of the regional flood defence committee.

But Mr Morley said the new arrangements would provide "greater certainty" and allow long-term planning.

He also announced sole responsibility for rivers at risk of flooding would pass to the Environment Agency.

Responsibility currently rests with a combination of the Agency, local authorities and internal drainage boards.

Mr Morley said: "Giving the Environment Agency sole operational responsibility for all rivers presenting the greatest flood risk should help the cogs turn more smoothly."

The changes will not be introduced until next year.