While many residents in rural areas are still suffering the consequences of last year's flooding, Mr Maples said he is concerned by the "lack of urgency" with which resolutions and changes are being put into place.

His comments follow the publication last week of an independent review of flooding across the UK by Sir Michael Pitt.

Mr Maples said: "Matters are moving too slowly and people will simply not understand if this happens again.

"The government has taken no remedial action. I am continuing to press the government, Environment Agency and local councils to do more and faster.

"The issue the report does not really deal with is how to find money to deal with the smaller flooding problems.

"At least half the flooding in south Warwickshire was just the flow of the drainage system, which is not the responsibility of the Environment Agency."

He welcomed the recommendation in the Pitt review that the Environment Agency should take on a new role in overseeing the management of flood risk, with local authorities taking responsibility for surface water management.

But he wanted there to be clearer definitions about where the funding for such problems should come from.

He added: "It's difficult to find the money, because such areas often fall within the remit of neither the district nor county councils."