Agenda item

(To receive a report by David Hickman (Growth and Environment Commissioner) relating to the review of the Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Water Management Partnership)

Consideration was given to a report from David Hickman, Growth and Environment Commissioner, which advised the Committee of recent developments in the Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Water Management Partnership; and invited comments on possible priority areas for development as part of the forthcoming review of the Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Water Management Strategy.

Appendix A to the report provided the Committee with details of the draft terms of reference for the Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Water Management Partnership.

The report highlighted that since 2012 flood risk management had increasingly been recognised as an integral part of a wider issue of managing water as a resource that was essential for economic growth nationally, particularly, in the east of England. Page two of the report provided a list of significant areas identified as needing updating. 

It was highlighted that the first strategy was agreed in December 2012, and that since then flood risk and drainage management had increasingly come to be seen as a significant component in achieving a wider range of strategic objectives, particularly with regard to economic growth and infrastructure planning.  It was noted that the establishment of Local Enterprise Partnerships, responsible for Strategic Economic Plans had particular relevance in Lincolnshire because of the importance of sustainable water supply and resilience to major sectors of the County's economy, with particular reference being made to agri-food and the visitor economy.

The Committee was advised that the review would look at parts one and two of the existing Joint Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Drainage Management Strategy.  The review would look at all relevant areas that needed to be introduced into the strategy, as well as any material that was no longer required.  The report provided a list of strategies and initiatives that had been developed since 2012, which would need to be taken into account.

It was reported that early discussions with partner organisations had suggested a number of themes that might be expected to feature in a revised strategy.  These were:-

·         Developing the linkages between water management and securing economic growth and environmental enhancement;

·         Effective linkages with major regional and national strategic infrastructure initiatives, particularly involving water resources;

·         Develop new, forward-looking suite of measures & indicators through development of second edition of the strategy;

·         Develop public & stakeholder communications & engagement strategy; and

·         Maintain awareness of partnership nationally, proactive engagement regionally and nationally in key policy developments.

The Committee was invited to comment on the broad themes as detailed above.  During discussion, the Committee raised the following points:-

·         Confirmation was given that the Environment Agency was keen to see the Strategy come forward; especially its dovetailing into wider issues;

·         The need to ensure that all Internal Drainage Boards were consulted, as they had a wealth of local knowledge.  It was also highlighted that information relating to IDBs would help also with the Environment Agency with their capital programme refresh;

·         The success of joint working relationships within Lincolnshire and the need to build on these further;

·         One member also highlighted the issue of ensuring that there was food security going forward;

·         One member highlighted a flooding issue within their division concerning run off from a reservoir.  Officers advised that the matter should be initially referred to the local highways manager;

·         The implication of Special Levies for Internal Drainage Boards on District Councils; and the sustainability of this arrangement going forward.  The Committee was advised that the Local Government Association had set up a special interest group to look at the issue; which had arisen following re-organisation in the 1970s.  The Committee agreed that it was not local authority spend.  It was also highlighted that officers would be providing information to the LGA concerning the IDB issues in Lincolnshire; and

·         The impact of increased council tax on the tax payer.  A suggestion was made for each partner to put in a sum of money to help fund any flooding events.

RESOLVED

That the proposed changes to the Lincolnshire Flood and Water Management Partnership; and the possible priority areas for development of the forthcoming review be received.