The government has been asked to state who is responsible for dealing with the floods that struck North Yorkshire.

County council members voted unanimously to ask for a report outlining the responsibilities of the Environment Agency, drainage boards and local and central government.

It follows claims that blame for different aspects of November's crisis is being passed around.

"Who has statutory responsibility to do something about this?", asked Councillor David Naylor.

"Nobody knows, and until we get that answer this will continue to happen. We have got to have somebody responsible before we can take action."

A motion from Malton councillor Mike Knaggs, passed by all members at yesterday's full council meeting, sent thanks to all agencies involved in minimising flood damage..

It asked for a report on the Environment Agency's views of the likelihood of future flooding, and asked that funding for flood defence work is based on need and risk rather than on the market value of individuals' homes. Liberal Democrat Margaret de Courcey-Bayley had an amendment to the motion accepted.

It requests the Government to: "Review and report upon respective responsibilities of the Environment Agency, local drainage boards, riparian owners and central and local government to ensure effective and comprehensive co-ordination of flood prevention measures on all water courses".

Coun Knaggs said: "When the Environment Agency decide to put further flood defences in place, I would like to think they get it right first time, with a system to blend in with the environment.

"North Yorkshire County Council will not be looking for any favouritism from the Government or the Environment Agency, just a level playing field."

The council has already arranged a meeting with agencies including the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Environment Agency and British Waterways on January 31.