There is an increasing risk of floods due to climate changes

The all-party Commons environment, food and rural affairs committee said people should understand the impact climate change may have on the use of water.

In a report, it says global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could reduce the impact of such changes.

It calls for a White Paper offering a candid assessment of the implications for flood protection and planning.

Flood risk

The report says: "It is imperative that the government continues to put every effort into achieving global action to address the causes of climate change."

Ministers must also explain how the government is preparing to upgrade and eventually replace the Thames Barrier, the MPs say.

They say the government, water companies and the Environment Agency should inform people now about the future risks from flooding.

The current system of charging for water on the basis of the old rateable value of the property people occupy also comes in for criticism.

'Water poverty'

According to the committee, a viable alternative is to link the cost of water to the amount used.

The report says: "The government should produce a report evaluating alternative water-pricing mechanisms that relate the cost of usage more directly to the consumer.

"A cost benefit study of metering should form part of the report."

And it goes on: "The government should consider carefully the impact of such proposals in order to protect vulnerable people from water poverty."

Flooding as a result of climate changes also comes under intense scrutiny.

MPs say they are concerned some areas may become uninsurable should flood risk increase due to these changes.

They recommend the government identifies areas which will face the greatest insurance problems.