Agenda item

The Committee heard from the Head of Corporate Policy & Strategy who provided an update on the progress of the Humber 2100+ project and timeline, including the endorsement of Step 1, ‘Understand the Risk’. It was explained that over the previous couple of years, the Humber 2100+ Partnership Project had established a robust and collaborative approach to the collection and assessment of evidence from a range of sources, including key stakeholders to understand the risks. The partnership had worked to improve public understanding of the future challenge posed by climate change to the area. This had included setting up a dedicated ‘storymap’ website about the project (http://arcg.is/u1rPj), producing tailored communications materials and running an awareness campaign tied into the Environment Agency’s ‘Flood Action Campaign’.

The project had also piloted the use of a ‘Community Panel’ to seek public views to inform the development of the project. The panel ran during April 2024 and involved a group of 19 people who were recruited to from a demographic cross section of the area. The panel heard evidence from a range of witnesses and then worked to develop recommendations in response to the question ‘What should we take into account in plans to manage tidal flood risk in your area?’. These recommendations would be used to inform the partnership’s approach to developing different ways to manage tidal flood risk, both now and in the future. Wider learning from the panel process would also help to shape ongoing engagement with those living and working around the Humber as the project progressed.

Members heard that the Humber 2100+ Partnership Project continued to work collaboratively in the development of the Humber 2100+ strategy. It was acknowledged that the project was extensive in terms of both time and geography, and was also extremely technical. However, being a part of the Project Team meant the council was able to influence and shape the outcomes to support a prosperous and sustainable district.

Over future months the project team would start to scope the next step, looking at the principles of tidal flood risk management. It was generally accepted by all that current approaches alone, including building higher and bigger barriers, would no longer offer the protection required and as such Step 2 would look at other methods and opportunities. Further project updates, including officer and member workshops with the Environment Agency would be arranged in due course, aligned with the project timeline, and further information on public consultation would also be provided in due course.

With thanks extended to Councillor L. Rollings for her role in the project, Officers invited comments from the Committee.

Members acknowledged the project was a long-term project, with specific technical aspects and many different avenues of consideration. In echoing thanks to Councillor Rollings and the Officers involved, it was proposed that the recommendations within the report be accepted.

With no requirement for a vote, the contents of the report, specifically the Humber 2100+ project update; the indicative timeline and steps included; and the endorsement of the ‘Understand the Risk’ outputs of Step 1, to be used as the basis for Step 2 ‘Agree Approaches’, which would test various scenarios to manage tidal flood risk in the Humber Strategy area, were DULY NOTED.