Agenda item

The Committee considered a presentation by the Director of Environment and Transport which provided an update on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) and the Authority’s role as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item ‘9’ is filed with these minutes.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. A. Tilbury CC, the Cabinet Lead Member for Environment and Transport to the meeting for this item.

Arising from discussion, the following points were made:

(i)           It was noted that following publication of the agenda for this meeting, an additional 38 reports of internal flooding had been received from an event in late February. The Authority continued to gather data, support affected communities, and conduct investigations where required.

(ii)         In response to a member query on how the additional funding of £2m would be allocated, it was noted that the investment had supported increased staffing capacity and the retention of specialist expertise, which in turn increased the progression of Section 19 investigations, scheme design, community engagement and drainage investigations. The workload remained busy due to the frequency of flood events and the need to prioritise urgent incidents alongside programmed works therefore continued.

(iii)        Members acknowledged that the position was complex with multiple organisations being involved and having responsibility for flood risk management. Members welcomed the public information leaflet which had been produced including details of who best to contact when an event occurred. Partnership working, regular communication with other risk‑management authorities and local communities, and the promotion of clear contact routes were emphasised as ongoing priorities for the Service.

(iv)       It was highlighted that the Authority had increased community engagement, including holding drop‑in sessions, information campaigns and providing online resources to promote flood preparedness. Over 500 residents had attended engagement sessions during the previous year, which had been supported by partners from water companies, the Environment Agency (EA), district councils, and the highways service.

(v)         In response to a query on progress on Section 19 flood investigations, it was noted that while work continued promptly after events, final report publications were often delayed due to the need for technical validation. Members were assured, however, that this did not mean County Council works identified as being necessary from those investigations did not commence immediately. Efforts were being made to streamline the process where possible.

(vi)       It was noted that although Section 19 reports could recommend actions, the Authority did not have powers to compel external bodies to implement those recommendations. All internal flooding was investigated, with some incidents subject to informal investigation where thresholds for a formal Section 19 process were not met.

(vii)      It was noted that there were 140 enrolled flood wardens across the County. Regular training events continued to be delivered, with additional sessions for new volunteers. Further partnership working with local universities were also being explored. New flood action groups had formed in several communities affected by recent flooding, and support was being provided to help them develop community risk plans.

(viii)    The Committee commented on the complexities around land drainage responsibilities and riparian ownership issues. The Director advised that public engagement work continued to improve awareness of maintenance duties. Natural flood management techniques were also being promoted where appropriate, particularly on privately owned land.

(ix)       A Member queried whether a further local assessment could be undertaken for the Sileby/Barrow area in Charnwood, noting that repeated flooding caused significant disruption and could leave residents effectively cut off in severe events.  In response, the Director undertook to provide an update outside the meeting and to circulate to all Members further guidance on where community investigations might deliver the greatest benefit.

(x)         It was questioned, in the context of the County Council’s role as Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and statutory consultee on new developments, who held responsibility for other potential causes of flooding beyond surface water (including concerns about groundwater/water table issues affecting a local development).  The Director advised that responsibility would likely sit with another Risk Management Authority but undertook to review the specific case in the Members division and respond to the Member about this outside the meeting.

(xi)       Progress on work to better understand flood risk in Hinckley and Burbage depended on ongoing discussions with external partners. A firm date for completion of this work could not therefore be provided at this time. Members noted that when consulted on local plan consultations and planning applications in that area as the LLFA evidence from Section 19 reports, local reviews and other relevant studies and sources of information would be relied upon as appropriate. 

(xii)      A Member requested further information on the number of planning applications refused on flood risk grounds.  The Director confirmed this information was available and would be provided following the meeting.

(xiii)    A Member sought clarification on the EA’s asset map, asking about the difference between ‘maintained assets’ and other assets shown, and whether this indicated that works would not be undertaken where an asset was not listed as ‘maintained’.  Members noted that ‘maintained’ was likely to mean maintained by the EA. Other assets not so marked did not mean that no-one maintained the asset, just that these were not the responsibility of the EA, noting that responsibilities might rest with riparian owners.

(xiv)    A Member requested an update on progress with the Woodbrook scheme in Loughborough which officers undertook to provide outside the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation on the Council’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and its role as the Lead Local Flood Authority, be noted and welcomed.