Britain was not prepared for the floods which devastated parts of Oxfordshire last summer, an independent report will conclude today.

Sir Michael Pitt is publishing his Government-commissioned review, containing 92 recommendations on how the country could be better equipped in the event of a crisis on the scale of the one last summer.

He is also calling for changes to building regulations to make new houses more flood-resistant.

Families in Oxford, Abingdon and West Oxfordshire were flooded out and at least 180 families are still unable to return to their homes.

The vast majority of these families have been given a 12-month exemption from paying their council tax bills, with the £500,000 cost covered by taxpayers.

In his review, Sir Michael argues that the Government's £800m-a-year flood defence budget for 2010 to 2011 was "about right" and should continue.

Sir Michael said: "What we are arguing is that we were not well prepared last summer for the scale of flooding that took place.

"Our recommendations are geared up to improve the response both locally and nationally."

Sir Michael said the Pitt Review's recommendations include: The creation of a definitive electronic map of all Britain's drainage ditches and streams, stating who owns what sections and who is responsible for keeping them clear. Local authorities must be given a more clearly-defined leadership role in overseeing the maintenance of drainage networks, with the county council taking the lead role The Met Office and the Environment Agency should have a joint nerve centre from which to issue better flood warnings based on their collective information Flood warnings must be more easy to understand New building regulations, detailing drainage systems and appropriate construction materials.

Water and power firms should safeguard key infrastructure sites.

Sir Michael said: "We do not welcome building on flood plains, but in some parts of the country there is very little or no choice."

He added: "Implementing these recommendations will need powerful, Cabinet-level leadership.

"We can be much better prepared. In fact, we are we are already better prepared now than a year ago."