Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs V C Ayling, A Bridges, J R Marriott and District Councillor B Russell (South Kesteven District Council).

There were no declarations of members' interest made at this point of the proceedings.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the Flood and Drainage Management Scrutiny Committee held on 23 September 2016, be agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

The Executive Councillor for Development (Economic Development, Environment, Planning and Tourism) advised the Committee that the Environment Agency had completed the initial stakeholder consultation on the east coast review.  It was highlighted that the theme emerging was for a long term programme of intervention to achieve more than basic flood risk management.  The Committee noted that the next stage would be reporting the results back to the partnership, and then developing the public consultation document for the summer 2017.  It was noted further that key questions remaining were the extent and source of funding to achieve the long term benefits.

It was reported that Stamp End was proceeding as planned.  A site visit had taken place, to which the Chairman of the Flood and Drainage Management Scrutiny Committee had been invited to, along with representatives from the City of Lincoln Council and Councillor R A Renshaw to see how much progress had been made.

The Committee was advised that the Black Sluice whole catchment pilot was developing, and that it was being seen as a key component of Anglian Water-led Water Resources East; and would be aimed at establishing long term security of water resource integrated with flood risk and drainage management, as well as water quality and environmental protection.

The Executive Support Councillor for Development, Councillor W S Webb advised that there had been a big food debate held in Grimsby on 2 November 2016, looking into addressing issues that would impact on the Greater Lincolnshire economy, particularly agriculture and the food industry.  Particular reference was also made to the coverage of food security in Lincolnshire by the television programme Countryfile.

(To receive a presentation from Seth Williams, Head of Public Affairs, Association of British Insurers, which will provide the Committee with an update on the Flood RE Scheme; and the affordability and availability of insurance for customers in flood areas, as well as the availability of insurance for small and medium enterprises not currently covered by the Flood RE Scheme)

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting Seth Williams, Head of Public Affairs at the Association of British Insurers. 

The Head of Public Affairs at the Association of British Insurers provided the Committee with a presentation which provided an update on the Flood Re Scheme.

The Committee was advised that Flood Re had gone live on 4 April 2016; and that it was expected that Flood Re would benefit around 350,000 homeowners when working to capacity; and that its flexible design meant that it would be able to cater for as many applications as the market needed it to deal with.  The Flood Re scheme allowed for an insurance market for high flood risk homes that had not previously existed.  The scheme also limited the excess payable by policy holders for claims against the flood element of their insurance policy to £250 per claim.  The Committee noted that there was a 25 year limit, and that transitional arrangements would be in place until 2039.

It was reported that the aim of Flood Re was to provide support to those that needed it most; and that a number of criteria needed to be met for a property to be eligible for entry into the Flood Re scheme; which then set the caps on the cost of flood cover were:-

·         That the charging for Flood Re was based on domestic property Council Bands A to H;

·         That properties would transition out over the 25 year lifespan of the scheme;

·         That the scheme applied to domestic properties built before 2009;

·         That the 2009 cut-off date recognised that new housing developments should be located to avoid flood risk;

·         That the measure excluded most small businesses; and

·         That some leasehold properties were included if blocks of 3 or more;

The presentation also made reference to the considerations made when assessing claims, which included flood risk levels, competition in the market; and the cost of claims.

It was highlighted that Flood Re had been designed around the homeowner and was based on the applicable council tax band.  It was further highlighted that the scheme had been set up by an Act of Parliament, and it was felt that is was not suitable for businesses.  The Committee was advised that the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) had announced the launch of a new commercial insurance scheme for businesses that would also include flood cover for many commercial premises and let properties in areas at risk from flooding.  It was agreed that information regarding the new scheme and Flood Re would be circulated to members after the meeting, along with a copy of the presentation.

During discussion, the Committee raised the following points:-

·         Experiences of some Committee members.  The Head of Public Affairs at the Association of British Insurers confirmed that he would look into these cases after the meeting;

·         Advice available to small businesses.  It was agreed that information would be emailed to Committee members after the meeting;

·         The need to publicise the scheme better, as a lot  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

(To receive a verbal update from Mark Welsh, Flood Risk and Development Manager, which will provide the Committee with an update from the Water Companies and Statutory Consultee Planning Application Process Working Group)

Officers advised that at the Flood and Drainage Management Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 26 February 2016 (Minute 38(2)) the Committee had requested that a meeting should be arranged with officers of Lincolnshire County Council and representatives from Anglian Water to explore the best approach to take forward the issues of Anglian Water being consulted appropriately in the planning process. 

Mark Welsh, Flood Risk and Development Manager, provided the Committee with an update from the Water Companies and Statutory Consultee Planning Application Process Working Group, held on 14 October 2016. 

The Committee noted that the meeting with Anglian Water Services (AWS) had been a very successful meeting.  It was highlighted that AWS had a new system, which enabled them to proactively engage with planning authorities, for consultation purposes.  It was noted further that AWS were keen to receive consultation requests direct from the planning authority for foul water and from LCC (as a secondary consultation for surface water), and that AWS were resourced to meet a 21 day turn round.

The Committee was advised that Allan Simpson from Anglian Water Services had been invited to attend the next Development Management Officers Group meeting, to discuss planning application consultations.

RESOLVED

That the verbal update from the Water Companies & Statutory Consultee Planning Application Process Working Group be noted.

(To receive a report from Deborah Campbell, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, Environment Agency, which updates the Committee on Environment Agency activities, including progress on key schemes)

Consideration was given to a report from the Environment Agency, which provided the Committee with an update on Environment Agency activities, which included progress made on key schemes.

Deborah Campbell, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, Environment Agency, in guiding the Committee through the report made reference to the key schemes within the current 2015/21 consented programme for the northern regional Flood & Coastal Committee (RFCC) area, which comprised of 107 schemes; and details of the 16 highest priority schemes based in Lincolnshire.

A short discussion ensued, from which the following points were raised:-

·         Funding for the Lincolnshire County Council schemes.  It was noted that £1.2m had been allocated to the schemes, to which the County Council had funded 50% of.  It was noted further that all the Lincolnshire County Council Schemes were all surface water schemes as this was their area of responsibility as Lead Local Flood Authority under the Flood and Water Management Act;

·         The timescale for the outcome of the Public Inquiry in relation to the Transport and Works Order for the Boston Barrier.  Officers advised that this was not known at the moment, but an officer dealing with the Barrier would be able to provide more detailed information to local Councillors.  It was however noted, that the completion date of 2019 did allow time for a public enquiry;

·         Officers confirmed that the scheme relating to Boston Haven Banks did not apply to whole of the Haven banks, but only applied to a number of low spots which existed downstream from the proposed barrier location; and

·         One member expressed concerns regarding the capacity of the River Rase in Market Rasen; particular reference was made to a landowners offer to facilitate a possible additional wash area.  The Committee was advised that the investigation into the offer for a wash area related to possible flood reduction in West Rasen; and it was confirmed that there would be no detrimental impact from housing development.

The Chairman on behalf of the Committee thanked Deborah for a very informative report.

RESOLVED

            That the Environment Agency Update report be noted.

(To receive a presentation from Mark Welsh, Flood Risk and Development Manager, which will provide the Committee with an update on the Stamp End Flood Alleviation Scheme)

The Committee received a presentation from Mark Welsh, Flood Risk and Development Manager, which provided an update on the Stamp End Flood Alleviation Scheme in Lincoln.

The presentation made reference to the fact that 84 homes had previously been flooded and were at high risk of surface water flooding; and that the County Council working with relevant partners had jointly funded the works currently being carried out at Stamp End.  The presentation also made reference to the options considered for the scheme.  Slides showing the location of the pumping station were provided, and an artist's impression of what the finished pumping station would look like was provided for the Committee to view.  Officers also advised the Committee of the work that had been undertaken to provide flood barriers around Cannon Street and Shuttleworth House.

The Committee expressed their support to the scheme and the local member extended thanks to officers for the recent trip to Stamp End, and for the progress made on delivering the scheme.

RESOLVED

            That the update on the Stamp End Alleviation Scheme be noted.

(To receive a report from Mark Welsh, Flood Risk and Development Manager, which provides the Committee with the latest position of all the current Section 19 investigations in the County under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010)

The Committee gave consideration to a report from Richard Wills, Executive Director for Environment and Economy, which provided a position statement on all current Section 19 investigations in the County. 

It was reported that in Quarter 2 (July to September), three individual Section 19 investigations had commenced involving flooding to a single residence and two commercial properties, all involving surface water.  This compared to 15 investigations affecting 39 properties in the same period in the previous year.

Appendix A to the report provided the Committee with a series of spreadsheets summarising investigations under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Three sites had been raised by members of the Committee in advance of the meeting, these were:-

·         Long Bennington – Officers advised that a 26 page technical report had been compiled which had been shared with County Councillor P Wood; and that works were ongoing.  Officers advised further that consideration was also being given to developing a scheme for later years inclusion within the Environment Agencies Medium Term Plan;

·         Brookenby – Dale View Road – The Committee was advised that flooding had affected two properties; and that work was ongoing in relation to providing a soak away; and

·         Bourne - Officers advised that they would be responding separately to Councillor Russell.

One member enquired with regard to flooding under the Railway Bridge, Station Road, Potterhanworth, as the spreadsheet indicated that the road would be closed.  Members were advised that this comment would be removed, as it was misleading.  Members noted that work was ongoing to come up with a solution to prevent the flooding.  A further member advised that they would be sending an email to officers with regard to Wainfleet Road, Burgh Le Marsh.

Thanks were extended to officers for all their assistance to members in gaining access to the website.

RESOLVED

That the progress made on investigations undertaken in the County under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 be noted.

(To receive a report from Daniel Steel, Scrutiny Officer, in connection with the latest position with regard to the Committee's Work Programme)

The Committee received a report which enabled members to consider and make comments on the content of its work programme for the coming year to ensure that scrutiny activity was focussed on areas of greatest benefit.

Daniel Steel, Scrutiny Officer brought to the Committee's attention the work programme as detailed on pages 45/46 of the report presented. 

The Committee was also reminded that the River Steeping Working Group would be meeting on 13 January 2017.  Councillor Mrs F M Martin MBE asked if she could participate in the Working Group.  The Scrutiny Officer agreed to forward the appointment on to Councillor Martin after the meeting.

RESOLVED

            That the work programme as presented be agreed.