Agenda item

Prior to the commencement of the item, a slideshow was displayed of images of the recent flooding across South Kesteven.

The LCC Flood Risk Programme Co-Ordinator, Ashley Myers, introduced himself and explained his role, particularly with regard to their key function of overseeing Section 19 reports.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste informed Members that apologies had been received from the Internal Drainage Board and the Environment Agency.

During discussions, Members commented on the following:

-       A key lesson should be better maintenance of dykes and ditches.

-       It was queried whether the properties on Belton Lane were newer properties built on a floodplain. A resident in the room stated that the houses originated from the 1930s.

-       It was confirmed that the impact of the shallowness of the weir would be considered within the Section 19 report.

-       A Member expressed the view that the Section 19 reports took too long as it took 8 years for works to be completed in the Members ward. The LCC Flood Risk Programme Co-Ordinator confirmed that Section 19 reports worked to the timeframe of 6 months, which should be more achievable as the team had recently increased from 5 members to 12.

-       It was confirmed that LCC’s powers as the lead flood authority could not increase unless they were granted by central government.

-       The LCC Flood Risk Programme Co-Ordinator explained that whilst enforcement officially sat with LCC, there was an agreement in place that the drainage boards would undertake the enforcement on LCC’s behalf.

-       A Member noted that previously unseen natural springs had reactivated in recent years. The LCC Flood Risk Programme Co-Ordinator acknowledged that ground water issues were the least understood phenomenon. However, research was currently being undertaken named Project Ground Water.

-       With this in mind, a Member expressed concern about the effective management of water at new housing developments. The LCC Flood Risk Programme Co-Ordinator confirmed that the planning perspective sat with a different team at LCC, however they engaged with partner flood agencies in the planning process.

-       It was queried and confirmed that East Mercia Rivers Trust were not a direct partner within the flood authority partnership but LCC were proactively engaged in locations across the county where the body was involved.

-       Following the effects of fly tipping at Tennyson Avenue, it was confirmed that ditch clearance was underway with relevant repairs. SKDC was also in contact with the local farmer to clear their section of the dyke.

-       Feedback from residents has been mixed with significant positive feedback, but officers were keen to learn from the negative feedback. 

-       It was requested that Members receive a copy of the letters sent to local Parish Councils offering advice and support by the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum. ACTION

-       The Chairman suggested to Members the value of creating a working group to continue to learn from the recent flood response.

Following this, it was proposed, seconded, and AGREED to form a working group to be added to the Work Programme.

The LCC Flood Risk Programme Co-Ordinator agreed to attend the Committee again when the relevant Section 19 reports had been published with a view to also discussing the impact of LGR on the function of the lead flood authority.

On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman thanked the LCC Flood Risk Programme Co-ordinator and the Emergency Planning and Health and Safety Lead for their attendance.

The item concluded with a statement by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste encapsulating the following:

-       Gratitude to the LCC Flood Risk Programme Co-Ordinator for their attendance and co-operation.

-       Backing for both local and property level resilience.

-       Encouragement for Members to follow the social media updates of the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum.

-       Encouragement of a discussion regarding the funding model and prioritized areas regarding flooding.

-       Acknowledged the necessity of lobbying MPs and Ministers. As a result the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste encouraged Members to support a letter proposed to be sent by the Climate Action Group.

The meeting adjourned at 11.25 and resumed at 11.35.