Agenda item

Wiltshire has experienced severe flooding in previous years, especially in 2014 when over 500 properties were flooded and a number of roads had to be temporarily closed to traffic. Many communities in Wiltshire have experienced at first hand the damage, distress and disruption that flooding can cause.

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 requires Wiltshire Council to act as Lead Local Flood Authority, and to develop a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. The Council has set up local flood working groups and has a significant programme of drainage improvement, as well as flood alleviation schemes to help to manage flood risk in Wiltshire and to reduce the risk to our communities.

The Committee will receive a report on the annual update flood and the work that has been carried out in regard to flood risk management over the past 12 months.

Cllr Jonathan Seed- Portfolio Holder for Flooding and the Military Covenant gave an update on the work of the Strategic Flood Risk Management Group (FRMG), as its Chairman.

It was explained that Group worked closely with the three Operational Flood Working Groups (OFWGs), covering the north and south of the county, with a separate group for Salisbury. Members were advised that most of the work was done on the ground, working with partner agencies, such as Environment Agency (EA) and other organisations having an interest in flooding and drainage matters. Members were informed that the Groups work with local communities on initiatives to reduce flood risk, and encourage the development of local Flood Plans and the appointment of Flood Wardens. Members were advised that there are now 148 communities with Flood Plans and Flood Wardens across the county. Cllr Seed also drew attention to the Council’s Parish Emergency Assistance Scheme (PEAS) making communities less reliant on Wiltshire Council during flooding.

Questions were asked surrounding the capability of Wiltshire Council to respond to a major flooding incident. Cllr Seed assured Members that the Council was an exemplary model of Flood Risk Strategy and that emergency plans were in place to deal with flooding risks. It was confirmed that vast improvements had been made since the December 2013 and March 2014 flooding, although he acknowledged that people were still suffering from the lasting impacts of the flooding. Particular mention was made of the ability to provide emergency housing in Salisbury, in the event of a major incident. Cllr Seed, did however state that although Wiltshire Council were heavily invested in this area, they did not have the capacity to alleviate all flooding risks in the County. He urged Members to look at their own divisions and support their communities in taking their own precautions.

A further point was raised regarding the long term plans to tackle flooding risks caused by climate change and increased water levels. Cllr Seed advised Members that the strategy surrounding this policy was a living document and, therefore, it would naturally adapt to meet changing environmental needs. Cllr Seed identified a number of schemes in place across the County, such as purpose built properties and expert submissions in planning applications. In this respect, Alistair Cunningham- Corporate Director Growth, Investment and Place, confirmed that where planning applications involved flooding risks that could not be mitigated, those applications would not be approved.

Resolved:

The Committee noted:

1.    The Operational Flood Working Groups continue to be a successful way of working with local communities, the Environment Agency and other organisations to manage flood risk in Wiltshire.

2.    There are currently 148 communities with Flood Plans and Flood Wardens, with 97 communities taking part in the Council’s Parish Emergency Assistance Scheme (PEAS), which provides sand bags and equipment to local town and parish councils so that they can store these locally, and deploy them as necessary.

3.    The Council carries out a large programme of flood alleviation and drainage projects which are managed and co-ordinated through the Operational Flood Working Groups, and bids for additional funding as opportunities arise.