Agenda item

The Committee gave consideration to a report presented by the Director - Operational & Commercial Services, seeking to update the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the work undertaken by the Officer Flood and Drainage Working Party and the Member Flood and Drainage Working Group. The Committee heard that the update report was following the resolutions passed at the Prosperous Communities Committee at their meeting on 19 July 2022, for the formation of the two working groups and for reporting to feed into the Overview and Scrutiny workplan.

It was explained that the Officer and Member Working Groups were established in order to improve communication across previously isolated work areas. This was starting to be achieved with strong links being forged between strategic and operational functions, and stronger links being established with other Flood Risk Management Authorities, increasing Member and Officer knowledge of the current situation and future risks. This would, in turn, will help Council representatives influence these partners. Additionally, further data input into the Council’s mapping system would help inform and present current issues and trend analysis. It was also noted that a further report was due to be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in Autumn 2023.

Members of the Committee expressed their thanks for the work undertaken and the progress made with a number of local flooding issues. Visiting Member Councillor A. White sought to express her gratitude for an issue that had been dealt with successfully in her ward, in a way that had not previously been achieved. 

The link between area flooding and drainage issues was explored, with all recognising the flood risk often did not arise from rivers or causeways, rather from blocked drainage channels. It was highlighted that the role for West Lindsey District Council was limited in terms of statutory powers and functions, those sat with the County Council and other agencies, however the role of intermediary, facilitator and influencer had proved to be highly valuable. A Member of the Committee noted the option for inviting the Lincolnshire County Councillor for Economic Development, Environment and Planning to attend a meeting of the Committee and it was requested that this be noted on the Matters Arising Schedule, for the new iteration of the Committee to consider at a future meeting.

Members enquired as to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lincolnshire Districts and the Lead Local Flood Authority, regarding the immediate operational support offered to residents in the event of flooding, and it was confirmed this had not yet been completed. West Lindsey District Council chose to undertake the operational support without question, in order to best support residents and businesses when needed, however it did remain a function of the Lead Local Flood Authority, and not all smaller Local Authorities were in the same position of providing assistance as West Lindsey. Members suggested a bilateral agreement could be put in place, should the MoU prove unsuccessful and it was noted that, whilst a county-wide MoU was the preferred option, the Council would explore other options in the event of the MoU not coming to fruition.

Members of the Committee reiterated their thanks to all involved, Officers and Members alike, and, having been moved, seconded and voted upon, it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the work of the Member Flood and Drainage Working Group and Officer Flood and Drainage Working Party be welcomed.