ENGLISH SEVERN & WYE REGIONAL FLOOD COASTAL COMMITTEE TUESDAY 15 OCTOBER 2019 TRUST NEW ROAD, DUDLEY DY1 4SB

Members of English Severn and Wye Regional Flood and Coastal Committee

Members of the English Severn and Wye Regional Flood and Coastal Committee are invited to attend a meeting of the Committee on Tuesday 15 October 2019. 10:00 am – LLFA Members pre-meeting on Local Levy 10:30 am – RFCC meeting The meeting will be held at Dudley Canal Trust, Birmingham New Road, Dudley DY1 4SB

Attached are instructions on how to get to Dudley Canal Trust. There is parking on site.

Refreshments will be available from 9:00hrs and a buffet lunch will be provided.

All members are strongly encouraged to read the papers in advance of the meeting. LLFA members are also encouraged to liaise with their Local Flood Risk Management Officers to ensure that they are fully briefed on any issues particularly relevant to their area.

Kind regards

Mike Grimes Area Director,

Getting to Dudley Canal Trust

Situated on the Birmingham New Road between Dudley and , we're really easy to find. We recommend searching for "Dudley Canal Trust" as a point of interest in your sat nav or Google Maps as the best way to find us, or use postcode DY1 4SB.

By Road

Dudley Canal and trust is situated in the heart of the on the A4123 between Dudley and Tipton.

M5 Junction 2:

Follow the A4123 northwest towards /Dudley. Our entrance is approximately three miles after junction two.

M6 Junction 10:

Follow the A454 (A463) Black Country Route towards Wolverhampton and Dudley for 4.4 miles. Turn let onto the A4123 Birmingham New road towards Dudley heading southeast for 2.4 miles. Turn right onto the A4037 Tipton road heading south at the roundabout go right round and back onto the A4037 Tipton Road. At the traffic lights turn left and our entrance is 200 yards on your left.

Car parking There is large area for car and coach parking. An optional donation of £1 for car parking is suggested. Parking is at the vehicle owners' risk. Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust accepts no liability for accidents damage, or theft of vehicles in its parking areas.

By rail We are just one mile from Tipton railway station, which is on the Birmingham Wolverhampton line operated by West Midlands Railway. Plan your journey and check train time tables using the National Rail enquiries website or by calling 08457 484950. Alternatively you can check details at https://www.thetrainline.com/

By bus

Network West Midlands operate a number of bus routes that stop on the Tipton Road A4037 just around the corner from us. These are; 11A from Dudley Bus Station to , Bradford Place. 24 Foxyards Estate to Merry Hill via Dudley 229 to Dudley via , 311 & 313 Walsall to Dudley via 610 Wednesbury to Dudley via Great Bridge, Tipton

AGENDA English Severn and Wye Regional Flood & Coastal Committee Tuesday 15 October 2019 09:30hrs – Arrivals – Tea/Coffee 10:00hrs for LLFA’s Pre-Meet 10:30hrs Main Meeting (lunch included) Dudley Canal Trust, Birmingham New Road, Dudley DY1 4SB

Item Time Item Lead Page No. 10:00 Discussion around Local Levy All LLFA’s 1 Welcome and Introductions Chair & Cllr Vickers - 2 Apologies for Absence Chair - 3 10:30 Chair’s Announcements Chair - 4 to Declarations of Interest Chair - 10:45 Members to declare interests relating to any of the Agenda items 5 Minutes/Action of Previous Meeting Chair To approve the minutes of the meeting held in July 1-5 6 Matters Arising from the Minutes Chair Items for Approval/Decision 7 10:45 English Severn & Wye RFCC In Year Programme Rhys McCarthy to 6-59 8 11:15 Refresh & Pipeline Programme Dave Boston 11:15 9 to Local Levy – Vote Chair 60-64 11:45 BREAK 12:00 10 to Partnership Funding Rules Peter Clarke 65-70 12:30 12:30 Mark Bowers 11 to Key Issues/Forward look Ian Jones 12:50 12:50 Matters Arising from Information Papers Chair 12 to Any Other Business Chair 13:00 Closing Remarks Chair LUNCH & CLOSE 13 13:30 Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust tour of operational site All

Information Papers Members are asked to raise any matters arising from the Information Papers on the Agenda or directly with Environment Agency staff. Contact for further Item Page details 2020/21 FCRM Grant in Aid (GiA) Indicative A John Russon 71-79 allocation for Capital & Revenue funding Stakeholder B FCERM Updated Paper 80-88 Management Team River Basin Management Plan Consultation & Dean Bean C 89-90 Engagement Suzanne Bennett D Flood Forecasting & Flood Resilience Report Daniel Williamson 91-97

Dates of future RFCC Meetings

Date Venue 21 January 2020 TBC 21 April 2020 21 July 2020 Telford & Wrekin 27 October 2020 TBC

Members’ Expenses

Members are reminded that expense claims should be submitted within one month of being incurred. Claims covering a period in excess of one month should be avoided.

Members’ expense claim forms should be returned to:

Michele (Shell) Dutson – Hafren House, Welshpool Road, Shrewsbury SY3 8BB [email protected]

MINUTES

English Severn and Wye Regional Flood & Coastal Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 16 July 2019 at Council Building – 1st Floor, 1 Friargate, Coventry CV1 2GN

ATTENDEES

Chair:

Shirel Stedman

Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) Members:

Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Graham Hodgson (Deputising), Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Cllr Phillip Awford, Gloucestershire County Council Mr Steve Hodges (Deputising), Herefordshire Council (no Cllr appointed to date) Cllr Robert Macey, Council Cllr David Wright, Telford and Wrekin Council Cllr Andy Crump, County Council Cllr Tony Miller, Council

Environment Agency (EA) Appointees:

Dr John Adams Peter Jones OBE Robert Pearce Will Shaw Heather Shepherd MBE

Ex-officio member

Tim Smith (Severn Trent Water)

Environment Agency (EA) Officers in attendance:

Mike Grimes, Area Director Mark Bowers, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager Ian Jones, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager Rhys McCarthy, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Programme Manager David Boston, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Programme Advisor Shell Dutson, RFCC Secretariat Officer

Observers:

Richard Bentley (EA), Emily Butcher (Worcs CC), Sarah Faulkner (NFU), Mathieu Faure (Shropshire Council), Michael Green (Warwickshire CC), Sue Humm (Glos CC), Lucinda Lycett (Telford & Wrekin Council), Matt Maginnis (Worcs CC), Dom Martyn (NGA), Paul Rhodes (Welsh Water), Harvey Speed (Coventry CC), Neal Thomas (Coventry CC).

1

MINUTES

1. Welcome and Introduction

1.1 Cllr Patricia Hetherton gave a welcome speech and brief presentation about Coventry.

1.2 The Chair thanked Cllr Hetherton and welcomed all Committee members and observers.

2. Apologies for Absence

Cllr David Vickers

3. Chair’s Announcements & Newsletter

3.1 The Chair informed the committee that there were a number of changes to the ES&W RFCC.

3.2 The Chair thanked Phillip Price, John Martin, Hilda Rhodes and Jeff Clarke for their support to the committee over the years and assistance in the delivery of the 6 year Capital Investment programme.

3.3 The Chair welcomed Cllr David Vickers, Cllr David Wright and Cllr Andy Crump.

4. Declarations of Interest

4.1 The Chair reminded the Committee that many DOIs are still outstanding. These must be submitted at the first opportunity and subsequently updated annually.

5. Minutes/Actions of Previous Meeting

5.1 The Chair ran through the minutes/actions of meeting in April.

5.2 Cllr Tony Miller asked for the minutes to reflect his apologies at the last meeting and that Matt Maginnis was deputising for him.

5.3 John Adams asked that 7.9 read ‘Task & Finish Group’ rather than ‘Sub Group’.

5.4 The Chair pointed out that 10.4 should read £21k instead of £19k.

5.5 The Chair confirmed approval of the minutes.

5.6 The Chair confirmed there are a small number of actions ongoing and congratulated all for completing their actions so quickly.

6. Matters Arising from the Minutes

None given.

2

MINUTES

7. English Severn & Wye RFCC in Year Programme

7.1 Rhys McCarthy gave an update on the In Year Programme stating there were 439 working days left of the 6yr Programme which concludes on 31 March 2021. He confirmed that the Programme is robust and the RFCC remains in a positive position moving into the final 18 months of the current spending review period.

7.2 Cllr Tony Miller asked if the EA felt that householders are taking full advantage of the flood resilience support and resources available to them, as he believed that some areas were not.

7.3 Rhys McCarthy confirmed that Property Level Resilience take up is variable and generally, find if there has been a flooding in a location within the last few years take up is high. It was noted that Property Level Resilience projects require significant community engagement and organisations such as the Environment Agency and National Flood Forum provide support educating and informing potential recipients of these measures.

7.4 Variations to Grant in Aid (GiA), Local Levy and Outcome Measures (homes better protected from flood risk) as outlined in Appendix 2 were reviewed.

7.5 Rhys McCarthy updated the Committee stating there were 5 projects bidding for new allocations of Local Levy.

7.6 The Chair asked Committee if there were any objections to the changes and bids. No issues were raised and the variations to the programme were approved and endorsed.

Decision: The Committee approved the Appendix 2 variations.

7.7 The Chair requested putting on record how pleased she was to see how agile and carefully managed the Programme is. She pointed out how, if a project is slowed and cannot be progressed, there is a pipeline of projects which can be accelerated into the programme and maintain momentum to delivery. The Chair noted that this is a credit to all.

7.8 Cllr Tony Miller asked whether improvements to the current method of debris removal at Worcester Bridge could be considered.

7.9 Rhys McCarthy stated that discussions regarding improvements to the current process would be welcome but this matter would need to be discussed with the relevant Environment Agency team who retain responsibility for operational management of assets and incident operations.

3

MINUTES

8. Refresh & Pipeline Programme

8.1 Dave Boston ran through the Refresh Programme 2020/21 seeking endorsement for the final year of the 6 year programme. This refresh has been developed in collaboration with Environment Agency project teams and also with other Risk Management Authorities.

8.2 Dave Boston confirmed that the presented version of the Pipeline Programme is, at this time, being shared for visibility and awareness so that members can to obtain an early insight into how the next programme is developing.

8.3 Dave Boston informed the committee there will be further opportunities to review and discuss the pipeline programme at the October ES&W RFCC meeting and, in the interim, RFCC members are encouraged to contact local Environment Agency contacts to discuss any questions or queries.

Decision: The Committee approved the refresh and pipeline programmes.

9. Sustainable Economic Growth Workshop.

(Written outcomes to follow)

10. Any of Business

10.1 Ian Jones updated the Committee on a paper that is to be shared before the October RFCC looking into a co-funded post across both the Trent and ES&W RFCC’s in partnership with Severn Trent Water. This post will look to better align programmes and increase efficiencies between programmes. The paper will be sent out via email at the earliest opportunity and input from the committee is welcomed.

10.2 Tim Smith informed the Committee that Severn Trent Water are keen for this post and the STW CEO is very supportive of this proposal.

Next Meeting: 15 October 2019 at Dudley Canal Trust

4

ES&W RFCC Committee Meeting Meeting date: 15 October 2019 Item 7

Appendix 1, 2, 3 Appendix 1 - English Severn & Wye 19/20 Programme Appendix 2 – Variations to the in year Programme Appendix 3 – Projects update

Paper by: Area FCRM Programme Manager

Subject: English Severn & Wye RFCC Capital and Local Levy Programme update 2019/20 (Year 5)

Recommendation

The English Severn & Wye Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) is asked to:

1. note the 2019/20 programme. 2. approve the variations to the ‘in year’ programme since the last committee meeting detailed in Appendix 2.

1.0 Introduction

1.0 The purpose of this paper is to update the English Severn & Wye RFCC on the 2019/20 capital and Local Levy programme. The paper also highlights the Environment Agency’s revenue budget. It presents the latest information provided by the project teams at the end of September 2019.

2.0 The English Severn & Wye RFCC contribution to homes better protected (OM2s) in 2015-2021

2.1 Schemes in 2019/20 for the English Severn & Wye RFCC are currently forecast to claim 674 Outcome Measures (OM2) delivering reduced flood risk to 674 households through the 6 year capital investment programme. Already in the first 4 years (2015/16 – 2018/19) of the 6 year capital investment programme 2,166 homes have benefited from reduced flood risk.

2.2 It should be noted that the revenue programme continues to maintain and reduce flood risk to thousands of households across the English Severn & Wye RFCC area.

2.3 The English Severn & Wye RFCC has a target of reducing flood risk to 2,965 households over the 6 year capital programme 2015-2021. This feeds into the national commitment to reduce flood risk to 300,000 households within this time period across .

2.4 The English Severn & Wye RFCC is currently forecasting to be 767 households above its target by 2021. To ensure that the 2,965 households protected target is achieved and to counter any slippage of what is currently forecast the programme will need to be strengthened. Work is continuing to strengthen the 6 year programme by developing a pipeline of projects which could be brought in as and when opportunities occur.

6

2.5 Table 2.1 below shows the accumulative households protected profile currently forecast over the 6 years for the English Severn & Wye RFCC. Table 2.2 shows the numbers achieved for the first 4 years of the programme and those forecast for the remaining years up to 2021.

Table 2.1 Homes better protected profile for the English Severn & Wye RFCC over the 6 years

Table 2.2 Homes better protected numbers for the English Severn & Wye RFCC over the 6 years

7

2.6 Table 2.3 below shows the delivery confidence classifications used by the English Severn and Wye Programme Task and Finish Group when assessing the remaining years of the programme. Table 2.4 shows the accumulative households protected profile currently forecast over the 6 years split by delivery confidence rating. Table 2.5 shows the numbers achieved for the first 4 years of the programme and those forecast for the remaining years up to 2021 split by delivery confidence rating.

Table 2.3 Delivery confidence classifications

Table 2.4 Homes better protected profile split into delivery confidence classifications

Table 2.5 Homes better protected numbers split into delivery confidence classifications

8

3.0 2019/20 Capital Programme

3.1 The 2019/20 English Severn & Wye RFCC programme is summarised in Table 3.1 below. A list of the projects within this programme is given in Appendix 1.

Table 3.1 Funding for 2019/20 ESW RFCC Capital Programme

3.2 To bring in £8 million Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA) from central government over £2 million has been raised through partnership funding locally. Further details of which can be found in Appendix 1 under public and private contributions.

3.3 A further £6 million in partnership funding is associated to the Environment Programme which includes £4 million for the Severn Estuary SAC project bringing the total partnership funding brought into the English Severn & Wye RFCC in 2019/20 to over £8 million.

3.4 The latest figures indicate that the end of year out-turn for 2019/20 is currently forecast to be within 3% of the allocated budget (97% of budget delivered). This is within the 10% overall programme tolerances.

3.5 Appendix 2 lists the variations to the ‘in year’ programme since the last committee meeting. The English Severn & Wye RFCC is asked to approve the formal requests to amend projects. Appendix 3 provides project updates for the committee.

9

4.0 2019/20 Revenue Programme

4.1 The 2019/20 revenue budgets for the Environment Agency for the English Severn & Wye RFCC are summarised in table 4.1 below along with the current year to date spend as of the end of August 2019.

Allocated Spend to Funding date (£K) (£K)

EA FCRM Area teams GiA Revenue Salaries & Operational Costs 2,760 1,145

Non FCRM teams part funded by FCRM 1,242 349

Foreign Water Contributions 215 215

EA FCRM GiA Revenue Projects 116 9

Directors Challenge -44 0

EA FCRM Ops Field Teams Operational costs (non projects) 2,812 1,090

EA FCRM GiA Revenue Maintenance Costs (Frequent and Intermittent) 2,017 556

8,257 1,358 Table 4.1 EA Revenue Funding for 2019/20

4.2 The current spend to date as of the end of August is 38% of the total allocated funding, which is in line with expected expenditure at this point of the year.

10

5.0 Efficiencies

5.1 In the first 4 years of the 6 year programme the English Severn & Wye RFCC has achieved efficiencies totalling £4 million from a total 6 year target of £3 million giving an efficiency total of 130% of target. See table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1 Efficiencies profile for the English Severn & Wye RFCC over the 6 years

5.2 The efficiency target for 2019/20 (Year 5) for the English Severn & Wye RFCC is £272K. In the first quarter of 2019/20 the English Severn and Wye RFCC had £24K of efficiency claims accepted. Table 5.2 below gives a breakdown of efficiencies submitted.

Table 5.1 Breakdown of efficiencies for 2019/20

5.3 The Environment Agency is working closely with all Risk Management Authorities to assist them in claiming efficiencies.

5.4 Any efficiencies made by the English Severn & Wye RFCC are reinvested within the 6 year programme. Projects that have been accelerated into the programme since the original allocation in 2015/16 benefit from these efficiencies. Examples of recent projects that have benefitted are the City Strategic Flood Alleviation Scheme and Canberra Road – trash screen replacement, Coventry. All projects which feature in the additional programme in Appendix 1 benefit from efficiencies made by the English Severn & Wye RFCC.

11

6.0 Asset Management

6.1 The National target is to achieve 98% or greater of all Environment Agency (EA) maintained assets in high consequence systems being at their required condition to perform their function.

6.2 This is reported via Key Performance Indicator (KPI) 962. At the start of September 2019 for the English Severn & Wye RFCC 98% of all EA maintained assets were at their required condition and 97% of third party assets were at their required condition.

6.3 KPI 965 is a measure of the number of households that would benefit from reduced flood risk should assets which have been identified as being below their required condition be brought back up to that required condition. The KPI 965 position for the English Severn & Wye RFCC at the start of September is 884 households for EA owned assets and 336 households for 3rd party owned assets.

7.0 Environmental Enhancements Outcome Measures (OM4s)

7.1 Schemes in 2019/20 for the English Severn & Wye RFCC are currently forecast to claim 59 environmental enhancement Outcome Measures (OM4s). This means that:

• 11.2 ha of water dependent habitat will be created or improved to help meet the objectives of the Water Framework Directive (OM4a). • 45.7 kilometres of rivers protected under the EU Habitats/Birds Directive will be improved to help meet the objectives of the Water Framework Directive (OM4c). • 3.0 kilometres of Water Framework Directive water body enhanced through FCRM (OM4d).

A list of the OM4 definitions is included at the back of these papers (Page 101).

7.2 Table 7.2 below gives an indicative breakdown of the projects which are delivering environmental enhancements in 2019/20 (OM4s). Further information on the projects can be found in Appendix 3.

Table 7.2 Breakdown of projects delivering environmental enhancements for 2019/20

7.3 There are no targets currently set by Defra within the 6 year capital programme 2015 – 2021 for environment enhancements. Every scheme however looks to deliver as many environmental enhancements as possible within the scope of its work. This can include projects from both the Flood Risk and the Environment Programmes.

12

7.4 Table 7.4 below shows the accumulative indicative environmental Outcome Measures (OM4s) profile currently forecast over the 6 years for the English Severn & Wye RFCC. Further details of which can be found in Appendix 1 and 3. The significant increase in OM4 delivery in 2020/21 is due to the ‘Unlocking the Severn for LIFE’ project (www.unlockingthesevern.co.uk). The project is a partnership between the Severn Rivers Trust, Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency and Natural England.

Table 7.4 Environmental enhancements profile for the English Severn & Wye RFCC over the 6 years

13

8.0 Recommendations

8.1 The committee are asked to:

1. note the 2019/20 programme. 2. approve the variations to the ‘in year’ programme since the last committee meeting detailed in Appendix 2.

Rhys McCarthy English Severn & Wye FCRM Programme Manager

September 2019

14 ESW CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2019 / 20 ITEM 7 - APPENDIX 1 ESW 2019 / 20 Programme Outcome Measures 2019 / 20 OMs 6Y Programme 2015 - 2021

OM2 OM2 2018/19 End Local Public / Private Homes Homes Project Name RMA Total GIA Of Year OM4a-c OM4d-h OM4a-c OM4d-h Levy Contribution Better Better Budget Forecast Protected Protected

Alcester FAS Environment Agency 600,000 200,000 400,000 433,728 118 Allesley, River Sherbourne, Flood Risk Management Scheme Environment Agency 1,380,000 444,000 486,000 450,000 1,380,000 34 30 Areley Kings Flood Alleviation Wyre Forest District Council 5,000 5,000 5,000 Brook (Broadway, and Murcot) FAS Environment Agency 5,000 5,000 16,475 250 2 Bagley Brook Catchment Project Environment Agency 35,000 35,000 35,000 22 Barbourne Brook FAS Environment Agency 150,000 150,000 12,000 3 Bennetts Road, Keresley Flood Alleviation Scheme Coventry City Council 150,000 150,000 150,000 14 14 Bewdley PLP Scheme Environment Agency 75,000 75,000 75,000 44 Bishops Cleeve, Gloucestershire Flood Alleviation Scheme Gloucestershire County Council 175,000 80,000 95,000 175,000 Colwall, Flood Alleviation Feasibility Herefordshire Council 42,000 42,000 42,000 5 Harold Environment Agency 36,752 36,752 36,752 Gosford Brook, Brimfield, Flood Alleviation Scheme Herefordshire Council 21,000 21,000 21,000 Hampton Bishop Environment Agency 30,000 30,000 30,000 Hunters Gate, Surface Water Flood Alleviation Scheme, Much Wenlock Shropshire Council 128,000 128,000 128,000 23 23 Longden, Flood Alleviation Scheme Shropshire Council 27,500 15,000 12,500 27,500 5 5 Lower Flood Alleviation Scheme Warwickshire County Council 380,000 380,000 375,000 53 53 North East Bomere Heath, Shropshire, Flood Alleviation Scheme Environment Agency 75,000 10,000 65,000 149,000 6 Pailton, Rugby, Flood Alleviation Scheme Warwickshire County Council 100,100 53,467 46,633 47,000 12 12 Pershore Scheme Improvements Environment Agency 15,000 15,000 24,800 River Lugg, Kenwater Floodwall Repairs Environment Agency 21,000 21,000 21,000 Rural SuDS Pilot - River Frome Stroud Valleys Stroud District Council 70,000 55,000 15,000 55,000 3 9 Severn Stoke FAS, Environment Agency 835,000 100,000 320,000 415,000 835,000 19 Slow the Flow - Shropshire Rivers Environment Agency 70,000 70,000 70,000 25 Stratford-Upon-Avon, Racecourse Brook, Flood Risk Management Scheme Environment Agency 106,400 106,400 16,509 Sud and Twyver Flood Risk and Restoration Project Environment Agency 50,000 50,000 39,676 Undefended Properties in the Ironbridge Gorge Indvidual Property Protection Shropshire Council 10,000 10,000 10,000 Upper Brookstray, Coventry, Flood Risk Management Scheme Environment Agency 532,000 201,000 331,000 93,200 55 1 2 Upper Framilode FAS Improvements Environment Agency 64,800 64,800 60,000 256 Upper Hearne Brook FAS (Beeches Road) Cheltenham Borough Council 201,000 78,000 61,500 61,500 201,000 12 12 Welford on Avon Flood Alleviation Scheme Warwickshire County Council 90,000 90,000 93,000 13 13 Wesley Brook, Shifnal, Flood Alleviation Scheme Shropshire Council 200,000 200,000 200,000 40 87 West Mids PLR - Badsey Brook, and Badsey Environment Agency 164,449 65,200 99,249 156,263 21 24 West Mids PLR - Brockweir Environment Agency 94,548 94,548 88,731 15 22 West Mids PLR - Gloucester to Tewkesbury, River Severn Environment Agency 607,821 567,821 40,000 601,521 75 139 West Mids PLR - River Wye Environment Agency 264,424 264,424 260,529 88 West Mids PLR - Rowleys Green Lane Environment Agency 30,257 24,257 6,000 29,594 4 5 Withybrook, Warwickshire Flood Alleviation Scheme Severn Trent Water 95,000 30,000 60,000 5,000 95,000 9 9 Worthen, Flood Alleviation Scheme Shropshire Council 44,000 28,000 16,000 44,000 8 16

CAPITAL SALARIES 1,006,000 1,006,000

Support Schemes N2K Wye and Lugg: Lugg Living Landscapes Environment Agency 95,000 50,000 45,000 95,000 2 3 131 74 River Clun/Teme SAC and SSSI - Unmuddying the Waters Environment Agency 150,000 95,000 55,000 150,000 6 65 REAction Flood Alleviation Scheme (Rea Brook Action Project, Shropshire) Environment Agency 451,106 451,106 451,106 37

Recovery of the Severn Estuary SAC and delivery of River Teme (SSSI) river restoration restoration plan Environment Agency 5,400,000 1,300,000 4,100,000 5,400,000 43 242 297 Programme Environment River Frome (Stroud) Connected Environment Agency 1,800,000 1,800,000 1,800,000 34

Ultrasonic flow gauge replacement at Bewdley Gauging Station Environment Agency 27,500 27,500 27,500 H&T Little Alne replacement of building Environment Agency 18,000 18,000 18,000

Modelling Modelling and Forecasting Capital Projects Environment Agency 110,000 110,000 110,000

Rec Hampton Bishop Bank Repair Environment Agency 20,000 20,000 20,000

15 OM2 OM2 2018/19 End Local Public / Private Homes Homes Project Name RMA Total GIA Of Year OM4a-c OM4d-h OM4a-c OM4d-h Levy Contribution Better Better Budget Forecast Protected Protected

NFM - River Lugg and Wye integrated Natural Flood Management Environment Agency 563,000 313,000 250,000 563,000 95 NFM - Shropshire Slow the Flow - Severn Tribs Environment Agency 195,000 195,000 217,000 15 15 Flood Natural NFM - Worcestershire Avon/Cotswold Escarpment Tributaries Environment Agency 153,000 153,000 240,000 5 13 Management

Additional Programme Automated System for Property Statistics during an Incident Environment Agency 5,000 5,000 5,000 Alney Island Improvements, River Severn Environment Agency 42,000 42,000 28,067 CaBA Catchment Deliver Programme Environment Agency 5,000 5,000 5,000 Cambridge Fish Pass Environment Agency 6,000 6,000 7,000 Canberra Road Trash Screen Coventry City Council 50,000 50,000 45,500 6 6 Churchdown and Brockworth Property Flood Resilience Gloucestershire County Council 104,000 50,000 28,000 26,000 104,000 15 15 Com NFM - Yazor Brook Flood Alleviation Environment Agency 31,439 25,439 6,000 13,427 Coronation Road, Craven Arms, FAS Shropshire Council 65,000 63,000 2,000 65,000 20 20 Epney Kiosk Renovatoin Environment Agency 86,000 86,000 10,219 Gloucester Strategic Approach Environment Agency 9,000 5,000 4,000 9,000 Henley in Arden FAS Environment Agency 8,000 8,000 8,000 Hereford Barriers Invest-to-Save Environment Agency 20,000 20,000 18,771 NFM - Shipston on Stour Environment Agency 50,000 50,000 50,000 10 36 Orleton Flood Alleviation Scheme, Herefordshire Herefordshire Council 25,000 25,000 25,000 Oswestry Surface Water FAS Shropshire Council 270,000 20,000 250,000 270,000 Property Impact Estimator (PIE) Tool Environment Agency 12,000 12,000 12,000 Pontesbury FAS Shropshire Council 80,000 75,000 5,000 80,000 10 10 River Lugg, Leominster Flood Alleviation Scheme Improvements Environment Agency 780,156 780,156 875,355 251 251 River Severn / Avon Fish Pass Environment Agency 139,000 139,000 156,703 20 Studley Gauging Station Building Replacement Environment Agency 28,000 12,000 16,000 26,879 St Johns Brook Environment Agency 10,000 10,000 13,948 Yelvertoft FSA Recondition Works Environment Agency 80,000 80,000 65,987

16

Item 7 - Appendix 2 ESW RFCC 15 October 2019 Significant Project Variances (e.g. +/-15% of total project costs or resulting in a significant change of project outcomes)

Project variations involving FDGiA for the RFCC to note Project Name Lead Manager Project Variation Explanation Request to RFCC Gallow Brook, Severn Trent New project which brings in an Following a joint investigation by Severn Trent Note the new project Hagley FAS Water additional 59 homes better Water, Wychavon District Council, bringing in an protected (OM2s) to deliver in Worcestershire County Council and the additional 59 homes 2019/20. better protected Wyre Forest Environment Agency the cause of flood risk at (OM2s) in 2019/20 for District Council Gallow Brook, Hagley was identified. This project has been allocated £5K FDGiA.

£5K FDGiA in 2019/20. Worcestershire The initial phase of a scheme was underway in 2018 which delivers enhanced protection from County Council flood risk to 59 homes for £1.3 million. This was

funded through STW and the Local Authorities. Environment

Agency The final phase of the scheme will now look to deliver in 2019/20 increasing conveyance at the downstream end of Gallows Brook, resolve final misconnections and remove trash screens downstream.

This scheme has not previously appeared on the ESW RFCC programme as there has been

OFFICIAL

17

Project Name Lead Manager Project Variation Explanation Request to RFCC no previous request for funding to the committee.

Severn Valley FAS Environment Increase of £50K FDGiA in New project to update the baseline hydraulic Note the increase of Agency 2019/20. model for the River Severn and reappraise the £50K FDGiA in benefits of a flood scheme in the Severn Valley 2019/20. in Shropshire upstream of Shrewsbury. Shropshire Council

Cleobury Mortimer Mark Bowers Scheme deferred into the pipeline Following an initial assessment and high level Note the deferral of FAS Environment programme beyond 2021. modelling, the scheme has reduced its homes the scheme into the Agency protected forecast down from 28 to 11. pipeline.

The scheme was due to deliver 28 This has reduced its current partnership funding Note the reduction of homes better protected (OM2s) by score to 31% meaning that the preferred option 28 home (OM2s) 2021. of a flood storage area is no longer viable at this better protected

location. within the current programme. Further options to take this scheme forward are continuing and will be considered in line with the refresh and pipeline programmes. Herefordshire Herefordshire Acceleration of £83K FDGiA from The project is ahead of schedule and therefore Note the acceleration River Lugg & Wye Council 2020/21 into 2019/20. is accelerating funding that was initially of £83K FDGiA from Integrated NFM allocated for 2020/21 into 2019/20. 2020/21 into 2019/20.

OFFICIAL

18

Project Name Lead Manager Project Variation Explanation Request to RFCC Diglis FAS Mark Bowers Scheme deferred into the pipeline The initial proposal to deliver a joint scheme Note the deferral of Environment programme beyond 2021. with Severn Trent Water to address both fluvial the scheme into the Agency and foul water flooding has proven to be pipeline. unfeasible. The scheme was due to deliver 20 Note the reduction of homes better protected (OM2s) by Further options to take this scheme forward are 20 homes better 2021. continuing and will be considered in line with the protected (OM2s)

refresh and pipeline programmes. within the current programme. Sud and Twyver Mark Bowers Scheme deferred into the pipeline Ongoing modelling and scoping of this scheme Note the deferral of Package Environment programme beyond 2021. has shown that confidence in delivery of a the scheme into the Agency viable solution by 2021 is not certain. pipeline.

The scheme was due to deliver In order to attain the best possible solution this Note the reduction of 100 homes better protected scheme will now move the delivery phase to 100 homes better (OM2s) by 2021. beyond 2021 into the pipeline programme. protected (OM2s)

within the current Further options to take this scheme forward are programme. continuing and will be considered in line with the refresh and pipeline programmes.

*Projects reprofiling FDGiA spend into future years will have to bid through the additional programme process.

OFFICIAL

19

Project variations for the RFCC to approve – re-profiling of Local Levy only no additional allocations Project Name Lead Manager Project Variation Explanation Request to RFCC Property Flood Mark Bowers, Reprofiling of £609K Local Levy The FDGiA which has been bid for nationally Approve the Resilience (PFR) Environment from 2019/20 into 2020/21. through the current refresh is greater than is reprofiling of £609K Package Agency available across the country. Local Levy from Reprofiling of £609K FDGiA from 2019/20 into 2020/21.

2020/21 into 2019/20. In order to assist in getting back to an affordable position nationally each RFCC has been asked And note the to look at ways in which it can reduce its FDGiA acceleration of £609K bid in 2020/21. FDGiA from 2020/21 into 2019/20. The PFR package is currently forecasting to spend £609K Local Levy in 2019/20 (this year) with the equivalent amount of FDGiA in 2020/21 (next year).

By switching these funding allocations the ESW RFCC is able to assist in balancing the national refresh without any effect on the delivery of the PFR package locally.

River Severn, Mark Bowers, Reprofiling of £34K Local Levy in An Initial Assessment was completed in 2016 Approve the Westbury-on- Environment 2019/20 into 2020/21. in respect to a potential flood alleviation reprofiling of £25K Severn Flood Agency scheme at Westbury-upon-Severn. Local Levy from Alleviation 2018/19 into 2019/20

Scheme Proposals and options for this scheme are ongoing and the Local Levy funding currently allocated in 2019/20 will now be required in 2020/21. OFFICIAL

20

Project variations for the RFCC to approve – projects requiring additional or new Local Levy funding allocations Project Name Lead Manager Project Variation Explanation Request to RFCC

There are no projects requiring additional or new Local Levy within the October 2019 RFCC papers.

OFFICIAL

21

ITEM 7 English Severn & Wye RFCC Projects Update Appendix 3

Updates since the last RFCC meeting are in red. Projects that are programmed to deliver OM2s within the 6 year programme have been given a delivery confidence rating. See table below for explanations.

Confidence in Number of homes better Confidence in Delivery of homes before March protected 2021 1 (Low) - e.g. Based on Shapefile / 1 (Low) - e.g. Homes delivery expected to be Estimate post March 2021 2 (Medium-Low) - e.g. Initial modelling 2 (Medium-Low) - e.g. Significant concerns carried out homes delivery will be post March 2021 3 (Medium-High) - e.g. Number of homes 3 (Medium-High) - e.g. Low level concerns verified or approved homes delivery will be post March 2021 4 (High) - e.g. High confidence that homes 4 (High) - e.g. In Construction delivery will be pre March 2021 5 (Scheme completed) - e.g. OM2 have 5 (Scheme completed) - e.g. OM2 have been been claimed claimed

Coventry Allesley Flood Risk Management Scheme Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 £1,718,500 year programme FCRM GIA £444,000 funding Local levy £784,500 funding Contributions £490,000 2019/20 Budget £1,380,000 Homes better 34 OM2 protected Supplier - Confidence in Number of 2 (Medium-Low) homes Confidence in delivery of 2 (Medium-Low) homes before March 2021 Flooding along Butt Lane, Allesley (2008).

Description of scheme: This is a Flood Risk Management scheme in Coventry to reduce flood risk to 34 properties at risk of flooding from the River Sherbourne, its tributaries and from surface water. The preferred way forward is likely to consist of a defence along Brown’s Lane, natural flood management and property flood resilience.

22

Environmental enhancements: Will depend on the final design and NFM measures agreed with landowners.

Project status: The EA and Coventry City Council are considering the best way forward and the updated business case is currently being developed, with recent modelling suggesting a reduced number of OM2s. The recommended preferred option is likely to consist of a defence along the front of 5 properties on Brown’s Lane alongside natural flood management upstream of Allesley and property level resilience. An outline design of the Brown’s Lane defence has been commissioned and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust have proposed to install a number of NFM interventions in the northwest of the catchment over the next 6 months to add to those they have already installed in Elkin Wood.

Canberra Road, Aldermans Green, Coventry Lead RMA Coventry City Council Funding over 6 year £50,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £50,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £50,000 No photo supplied Homes better protected 6 OM2 Supplier - Confidence in Number of 3 (Medium-High) homes

Confidence in delivery of 4 (High) homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: Trash Screen replacement on an unknown ordinary watercourse.

Environmental enhancements: None.

Project Status: Early Contractor Involvement meeting took place in August 2019. We are now tweaking the design slightly following the meeting, with the aim of finalising the design and receiving a quote for the works by the end of September 2019. The contractor is expected to be on site by November 2019, with the works expected to be completed by December 2019.

23

Flood Alleviation Scheme, Bennetts Road, Keresley Lead RMA Coventry City Council Funding over 6 year £150,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £150,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £150,000 Homes better 14 OM2 protected Supplier - Confidence in 3 (Medium-High) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 3 (Medium-High) Photo from Coventry City Council before March 2021 of Bennetts Road

Description of scheme: This scheme aims to reduce the impact of flooding to 14 properties through a combination of a proposed upstream storage area and culvert improvements.

Environmental enhancements: None.

Project status: Brought forward into the six year programme, with the aim of it being ready for service by March 2020. Upper Brookstray Flood Risk Management Scheme Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £1,439,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £412,500 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £1,026,500 2019/20 Budget £532,000 Homes better 55 OM2 protected Supplier - Confidence in 3 (Medium-High) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 3 (Medium-High) Brookstray adjacent to Broad Lane at before March 2021 culvert entrance

Description of scheme: This is a Flood Risk Management scheme in the Upper Eastern Green area of Coventry to reduce flood risk to 55 properties at risk of flooding from the Brookstray (tributary of the River Sherbourne) and from surface water.

24

Environmental enhancements: To be confirmed at a later stage.

Project status: The Modelling Report confirmed that the preferred way forward is not a viable option to take forward and the recent modelling suggests a reduction in the number of OM2s. Coventry City Council are liaising with Severn Trent Water and continuing to investigate options related to surface water and sewer issues and the project is awaiting results from this before progressing any further.

Gloucestershire Alney Island, Gloucester Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £485,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £181,000 Local levy funding £304,000 Contributions £0 No photo supplied 2019/20 Budget £42,000 Homes better protected 71 OM2 (pipeline) Supplier TVO Confidence in Number of 2 (Medium-Low) homes Confidence in delivery of n/a homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: The Environment Agency is progressing with proposals to reduce the risk of flooding from the River Severn to over 70 properties at Alney Island, Gloucester. Consultant TVO, in consultation with the community and other stakeholders, has identified a preferred solution. This comprises a combination of measures, including sheet piling, raising and re-aligning existing flood walls and embankments, and local ground-raising. TVO has commenced the detailed design phase of the scheme.

Environmental enhancements: An area of invasive species Japanese Knotweed would be removed from the riverbank in conjunction with delivery of this scheme.

Project status: The latest project costs for the scheme are estimated to be between £2.9 and £3.5million (this includes the appraisal, design, construction and maintenance over the lifetime of the scheme). The range in costs relates to the “best case & worse case” allowance associated with the risk of unknown ground conditions for the sheet piling flood wall solution. We have identified a funding shortfall for this project of approximately £1.4 million (based on worse case) and are investigating options for securing this funding. The shortfall in funding means that delivery has now been moved to the pipeline programme post 2021.

25 Churchdown and Brockworth Property Flood Resilience Gloucestershire County Lead RMA Council Funding over 6 year £104,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £50,000 Local levy funding £28,000 Contributions £26,000 2019/20 Budget £104,000 No photo supplied Homes better protected 15 OM2 Supplier - Confidence in Number of 2 (Medium-Low) homes Confidence in delivery of homes before March 4 (High) 2021

Description of scheme: This is a Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) led Property Flood Resilience (PFR) scheme to provide a level of protection from surface water flooding to properties in both Churchdown and Brockworth, Gloucestershire.

Environmental enhancements: Limited opportunity for environmental benefits in PFR project.

Project Status: GCC has had building surveys completed for all 15 properties. Further information is required from the surveyor regarding uncertainty over the effectiveness of the scheme in Churchdown. GCC is currently undertaking further community engagement with the residents and is finalising the Outline Business Case to attract funding to deliver the measures before March 2021.

Gloucester Strategic Approach Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £9,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £0 Local levy funding £5,000 Contributions £4,000 2019/20 Budget £9,000 Homes better protected n/a Supplier - No photo supplied Confidence in Number of n/a homes Confidence in delivery of n/a homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: Discussions are progressing with partners to set up a strategic approach to place-making in the Gloucester area, which will include environmental infrastructure (flood risk management, water quality, water resources and waste management). This is a pipeline project to progress flood risk management measures and associated environmental enhancements which are agreed as part of the strategic approach. 26

Environmental enhancements: Actual measures to be agreed with partners

Project status: To aid development of this integrated strategic approach, the Environment Agency is currently working with partners in the Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership (GLNP) to develop an Integrated Environment Mapping Tool which will draw together evidence on environmental constraints and opportunities. This will form a comprehensive evidence base which can be used as part of future decision making for sustainable economic growth and infrastructure provision. The first phase is to produce an environmental baseline and associated interpretive products in order to showcase the potential of the tool with local authorities (including local planning authorities), Statutory Agencies, the Local Enterprise Partnership and Environmental NGOs. These products will be focussed on the Gloucester area but the aim is over time for the tool to cover Gloucestershire. £5000 Local Levy has been allocated this financial year in order to contribute to the costs of developing this first stage. Funding is also being contributed by GLNP and supervision and project management in kind is being provided by the University of Gloucestershire. The first phase covering the Gloucester area is programmed to be completed this Autumn.

Rural SuDS River Frome Stroud Valleys Lead RMA Stroud District Council Funding over 6 year £395,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £0 Local levy funding £320,000 Contributions £75,000 2019/20 Budget £70,000 Homes better n/a protected Supplier - Confidence in Number n/a of homes Confidence in delivery of homes before n/a March 2021 Tocknells Court. NFM Project 2019

Description of scheme: This is a Natural Flood Management project to reduce fluvial flood risk to ~200 properties in the 250 km2 Frome Catchment, including the Painswick , Slad Brook (Rapid Response Catchment), River Frome, Nailsworth and Horsley Brooks. The project began in 2014.

Environmental enhancements: To date (Sept 2019) • Over 450 NFM interventions, including floodplain restoration, river re-meandering, large woody structures, earth bunds, livestock fencing and tree planting. • Worked with 28 landowners; 4 NGOs and 24 private landowners. • 52.5Km2 (26%) of the catchment flows through NFM structures and interventions. • Ecological monitoring partnership with GWT, University of Gloucestershire and Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. • Priority species; White Clawed Crayfish and Brook Lamprey recorded in association with NFM structures. 27

Project status: Potential flood risk benefits have already been reported to the RFCC following a significant rain event in March 2016. This indicated that NFM in the Slad Valley may have reduced flood risk to 53 properties, with benefits of around £300k. Further projects scheduled for Sept 2019 to March 2020 include: • Bathurst Estate: introduction of naturally occurring fallen riparian woodland and the installation of ~1km of NFM measures downstream of Daneway, as well as floodplain restoration. • Croft Farm, 3 earth bunds, ~0.5ha of wet grassland. Reduced surface water flood risk to Devereaux Estate. • Additional projects at: Batch & Greenhill Farms (Painswick Stream), Piedmont Farm (Slad Brook), Kingscote Woods (Nailsworth Valley) in partnership with Forestry England and Holy Brook (Frome). • Sud and Twyver Package, Gloucester Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £313,337 programme FCRM GIA funding £280,855 Local levy funding £32,482 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £50,000 No photo supplied Homes better protected 100 OM2 (pipeline) Supplier - Confidence in Number of 1 (Low) homes Confidence in delivery of n/a homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: The Environment Agency is working with partners to deliver a number of inter-linked projects on the Sud Brook and River Twyver by 2021. These aim to deliver multi-benefits by tackling both flood risk and Water Framework Directive issues by reducing sediment, attenuating flows and delivering other measures to reduce flood risk and improve water quality.

Environmental enhancements: The inter-linked projects include natural flood management measures; re-naturalising the watercourses and dealing with run-off from the M5.

Project status: Work to implement natural flood management measures is progressing upstream of the M5. Highways England is carrying out outfall water quality assessments which will inform the impact of run-off from the motorway (M5) on the Sud Brook and River Twyver. The first of the river restoration works on the Sud Brook is now completed. Modelling and appraisal is continuing to assess options to reduce flood risk in the catchment, with results expected in the autumn.

28

Upper Framilode FAS Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £683,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £100,000 Local levy funding £583,000 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £64,800 No photo supplied Homes better protected 256 OM2 Supplier - Confidence in Number of 2 (Medium-Low) homes Confidence in delivery of 2 (Medium-Low) homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: Upper Framilode is at flood risk from the Severn estuary and the River Frome. The level of the Severn earth flood embankment has reduced in places from its level following work in the 1990s, and the earth flood embankment on the River Frome has been subject to badger damage. The scheme includes: topping up of the Severn earth flood embankment to restore low spots (as supported by the Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy); repairs to badger damage on the River Frome earth flood embankment in Upper Framilode; and significant environmental benefits. Repairs to the Severn defences (phase 1) will deliver 256 OM2 in 20/21. Repairs to the Frome (phase 2) will deliver 22 OM2 in 21/22 (pipeline).

Environmental enhancements: The enhancement of fish passage up a short stretch of the River Frome and possible morphological enhancements to parts of the River Frome between the Gloucestershire & Sharpness Canal and Upper Framilode.

Project status: The Outline Business Case is in development, and modelling is being commissioned.

29 Upper Hearne Brook (Beeches Road) Flood Alleviation Scheme Cheltenham Borough Lead RMA Council Funding over 6 year £201,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £78,000 Local levy funding £61,500 Contributions £61,500 2019/20 Budget £201,000 Homes better protected 12 OM2 No photo supplied Supplier - Confidence in Number of 3 (Medium-High) homes Confidence in delivery of 3 (Medium-High) homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: This is a Cheltenham Borough Council led scheme to reduce flood risk from Hearne Brook to 12 properties in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham.

Environmental enhancements: Environmental benefits to be confirmed at design stage.

Project status: This scheme is the second of two phases of a flood alleviation scheme on this watercourse. The first phase was completed in 2014 and reduced flood risk to 16 properties. Cheltenham Borough Council has appointed consultants to produce the business case. Scheme construction/delivery is programmed in for 2019/20, subject to the relevant approvals and funding being in place. The business case has been completed, and indicates that deliverable OM2s are reduced from 18 to 12. Consequently, there is a reduced FCRM GIA funding allocation. Increased allocations of local levy and local authority contributions have been indicatively approved.

Herefordshire Colwall, Flood Alleviation Feasibility Lead RMA Herefordshire Council Funding over 6 year £42,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £0 Local levy funding £42,000 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £42,000 Homes better 5 OM2 No photo supplied protected Supplier - Confidence in 2 (Medium-Low) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 4 (High) before March 2021

30

Description of scheme: This is a Herefordshire Council led scheme to reduce flood risk from an ordinary watercourse to properties in the village of Colwall. A housing development has contributed funding towards the scheme under a section 106 agreement.

Environmental enhancements: Environmental benefits to be confirmed at design stage.

Project Status: Balfour Beatty, on behalf of Herefordshire Council, carried out a feasibility study into possible flood alleviation measures during 2017/18. The design stage is ongoing and is due to be completed in 2019/20. Delivery of the scheme is currently programmed for 2020/21 subject to the relevant approvals and funding being in place. Balfour Beatty is exploring the possibility of accelerating the delivery of the scheme in 2019/20.

Community NFM – Yazor Brook Flood Alleviation Lead RMA Herefordshire Council Funding over 6 year £60,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £50,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £10,000 2019/20 Budget £31,439 Homes better protected n/a No photo supplied Herefordshire Wildlife Supplier Trust / Wye and Usk Foundation Confidence in Number n/a of homes Confidence in delivery n/a of homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: This is a Community led NFM project led by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and the Wye and Usk Foundation. Delivery will be during 2018/19 and 2019/20 and will focus on a range of NFM measures in the Yazor catchment upstream of Hereford City. This work links closely with Herefordshire’s core strategy for growth and will support the application of appropriate NFM measures to all new developments along the brook, liaising with Herefordshire Council planners, developers and contractors, including 4 Herefordshire Council owned sites and 5 major developments.

Environmental enhancements: 11 leaky dams have been installed, regular litter picks have been undertaken and 200m of riverbank coppiced in the city.

31

Project status: Project Officers have carried out landowner engagement on eight farms in the catchment. Farmland engaged now totals 1100Ha and Woodland engaged is 590Ha. There have been 26 organic matter tests completed, 26 Infiltration tests undertaken and 56 soil structure assessments and worm counts. Three farm reports have been completed with two in preparation. Modifications to land management to increase organic matter and water retention is being considered. 11 leaky dams were installed in late winter 2018.

A summary management plan has been submitted to Herefordshire Council contractors Balfour Beatty within the city of Herefordshire with a principle agreement to undertaking meadow creation and tree planting. Liaison with Herefordshire Council over the Integrated Catchment Management Study on the Yazor continues with collaborative working being proposed. Communities continue to be heavily engaged with regular volunteer litter picks, riverfly surveys, guided walks and talks and practical volunteer tasks. Three schools have been regularly engaged (9 visits in total) with educational activities undertaken on the watercourse.

Ewyas Harold Environment Lead RMA Agency

Funding over 6 year £73,958 programme FCRM GIA funding £35,000 Local levy funding £38,958 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £36,752 Homes better protected 30 OM2 (pipeline) Supplier - Confidence in Number 1 (Low) of homes Confidence in delivery of homes before March n/a A picture of flooding in the village, 2021 kindly provided by a local resident.

Description of scheme: Ewyas Harold is a village and in the Golden Valley in Herefordshire which lies on the Dulas Brook. The village experienced significant flooding to properties in 1992, 2000, and 2008, with a flooding history going back many decades.

Environmental enhancements: No environmental enhancements have been identified as part of this scheme at present, an intention exists to complete this project in parallel with a weir removal project in the same location which may encourage fish migration upstream in the Dulas Brook, thus leading to environmental enhancements.

Project Status: An Initial Assessment was carried out in 2016, funded by Local Levy. A model review was undertaken by the Programme Delivery Unit in 2018 and concluded that the existing model of the area should be updated. The Dulas Brook is now being scoped for a new survey which will then support this update. Options to be considered include a combination of Natural Flood Management measures in the upstream catchment and an engineered scheme32 within the village

Gosford Brook, Brimfield, Flood Alleviation Scheme Lead RMA Herefordshire Council Funding over 6 year £38,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £17,000 Local levy funding £21,000 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £21,000 No photo supplied Homes better protected 28 OM2 (pipeline) Supplier - Confidence in Number 1 (Low) of homes Confidence in delivery of homes before March 1 (Low) 2021

Description of scheme: Brimfield is a village situated on the A49 road at the border with Shropshire. The scheme is for Property Flood Resilience (PFR) and is being considered alongside a scheme for Orleton.

Environmental enhancements: A Natural Flood Management scheme is being carried out within the same catchment.

Project status: Balfour Beatty has issued letters to properties at risk of flooding to establish interest in property flood resilience measures. Balfour Beatty is considering using the Environment Agency’s PFR framework to deliver the scheme and is in the process of submitting the final draft of the businesses case to the Environment Agency. Delivery of the scheme is currently programmed for 2020/21.

Hampton Bishop Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £30,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £0 Local levy funding £30,000 Contributions £0 No photo supplied 2019/20 Budget £30,000 Homes better - protected Supplier - Confidence in Number 1 (Low) of homes Confidence in delivery of homes before n/a March 2021

33

Description of scheme: Hampton Bishop is a village and civil parish south-east of Hereford City which is located at the confluence of the River Wye and the River Lugg. The area has a history of both pluvial and fluvial flooding which affects properties and the B4224 which is a busy route to Hereford City. Existing flood defences provide a level of protection against flooding from the River Wye and the River Lugg.

Environmental enhancements: No environmental enhancements have been proposed as part of this project currently. These will be considered at the optioneering stage.

Project Status: The Initial Assessment was completed by Capita Property & Infrastructure in February 2019. The report identified that the key flood risk in the area is caused by surface water. Some amendments to the report are being finalised with Capita before being shared with Herefordshire Council as the risk management authority for surface water management in Herefordshire. The Environment Agency will continue to support on the management of fluvial flood risk in the area.

Hampton Bishop Bank Repair Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 £20,000 year programme FCRM GIA funding £20,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £20,000 Homes better n/a protected Supplier Environment Agency Confidence in n/a Number of homes

Confidence in delivery of homes 3 (Medium-High) before March 2021

Description of scheme: Repair and renovation of a 200m section of flood embankment which is at risk of not performing whilst under load from flood water. The scope of works is to return the crest of the embankment to its design height and reinstate the landward and exposed faces to a 3:1 minimum slope.

Environmental enhancements: Not applicable.

Project status: On site works are nearing an end with all earth works completed. Final snagging is to be completed over the coming weeks. The flood bank is expected to be back to its target condition before October. 34

Hereford Barriers Invest-to-Save Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £202,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £192,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £10,000 2019/20 Budget £20,000 Homes better n/a protected Supplier - Confidence in n/a Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes n/a before March 2021

Description of scheme: The objective of the project is to produce a detailed design and obtain planning permission to deliver operational efficiencies and lessen the residual risk relating to the deployment of the demountable flood barriers in Hereford (Belmont) Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Environmental enhancements: None Applicable

Project status: The planning application is currently active on Herefordshire Council’s Planning Portal. Detailed design is in production. Funding for the construction has not been secured at present.

N2K Wye and Lugg: Lugg Living Landscapes Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £551,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £255,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £296,000 2019/20 Budget £95,000 n/a Homes better protected Lugg green Weir removal Supplier - Confidence in Number of n/a homes

Confidence in delivery of n/a homes before March 2021

35

Description of scheme: This is a multi-partner project which aims to reduce siltation and to deliver OM4 habitat targets associated with the River Lugg Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and to contribute to Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) river restoration objectives. Key stakeholders include the Environment Agency, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Wye and Usk Foundation.

Environmental enhancements: Riparian habitat restoration, weir removals, pond and reed bed creation, tree planting, installation of woody debris, fencing off ‘buffer strips’ to act as a filtration system for run off and sediments, reducing livestock access to the river to reduce bank erosion and sediment release.

Project status: Another successful year with our partnership with Hereford Wildlife Trust has seen the creation of over 1 hectare of reed bed habitat which contributes to FCRM’s OM4 targets. We have also delivered riparian habitat improvements and undertaken a number of farm visits on the Lugg in an attempt to prevent agricultural practices from damaging the ecology of the SAC by reducing the heavy nutrient and silt loading entering the Lugg from agriculture.

Orleton Flood Alleviation Scheme Lead RMA Herefordshire Council Funding over 6 year £25,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £0 Local levy funding £25,000 Contributions £0 No photo supplied 2019/20 Budget £25,000 Homes better protected 6 OM2 (Pipeline) Supplier - Confidence in Number of 1 (Low) homes Confidence in delivery of 1 (Low) homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: Orleton is a small village situated 3 miles to the west of Brimfield. Property Flood Resilience is being considered for properties at risk of fluvial flooding.

Environmental enhancements: A Natural Flood Management scheme is currently underway on the Brimfield/Gosford Brook, led by Herefordshire Council.

Project status: Balfour Beatty has issued letters to properties at risk of flooding to establish interest in property flood resilience measures. Balfour Beatty is considering using the Environment Agency’s PFR framework to deliver the scheme and is in the process of submitting the final version of the business case to the Environment Agency. Delivery of the scheme is currently programmed 2020/21.

36

River Lugg, Kenwater Floodwall Repairs Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £87,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £66,000 £21,000 Local levy funding

Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £21,000 Homes better protected 85 OM2 Supplier - Confidence in Number 2 (Medium-Low) of homes Confidence in delivery of homes before March 2 (Medium-Low) 2021

Description of scheme: Structural and performance assessment of an existing floodwall on the River Kenwater in Leominster which was constructed in the 1980s. The wall has suffered from movement of the crest, within its defined standard of protection, for which the root cause is unknown. The funding is to carry out a structural investigation and produce a factual report to inform future management options.

Environmental enhancements: None at present.

Project status: The initial report has been received and is under review awaiting future management options.

River Lugg, Leominster Flood Alleviation Scheme Improvements Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 £1,592,000 year programme FCRM GIA funding £1,092,000 Local levy funding £500,000 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £780,156 Homes better 251 OM2 protected Supplier TVO Confidence in 3 (Medium-High) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 3 (Medium-High) before March 2021

37

Description of scheme: This scheme is to upgrade the existing Leominster Flood Alleviation Scheme which has been in operation since the 1970s. The existing scheme consists of raised embankments, walls throughout the town and a bypass channel to the north of the town. Hydraulic modelling has shown that the existing scheme reduces the risk of flooding to 183 properties in the Marsh area of Leominster. The improvements will consist of a combination of earth embankments and flood walls and will increase the standard of protection by including allowances for freeboard and climate change. This will provide increased protection to 251 properties in the area.

Environmental enhancements: We are enhancing a community orchard in the locality of the flood alleviation scheme and are looking at further opportunities to improve community woodland in the area.

Project status: Preparatory tree and vegetation clearance has been carried out and it is planned to start in Winter 2019. Ground investigation is ongoing to locate a gas main with the asset owner to facilitate construction. The planning application is currently active on Herefordshire Council’s Planning Portal.

River Lugg and Wye Integrated Natural Flood Management Lead RMA Herefordshire Council Funding over 6 year £1,155,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £655,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £500,000 2019/20 Budget £563,000 Homes better n/a protected Wye and Usk Supplier Foundation + Severn Rivers Trust Confidence in n/a Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes n/a before March 2021

Description of scheme: This is a NFM catchment scale project funded from the Defra £15 million allocation. The project will reduce flood risk across 7 catchments, provide data and evidence in support of land management NFM, engage communities and provide wider benefits linking with our Farm Herefordshire work e.g. reduced phosphate and additional habitat created. The NFM projects will integrate with existing and proposed Flood Alleviation Schemes, including Leominster, Ewyas Harold and Hampton Bishop.

Environmental enhancements: This project will deliver several Outcome Measure 4s, primarily Wetland Habitat created (OM4a), KM’s of WFD protected areas enhanced (OM4c) and KM of WFD waterbodies enhanced (OM4d). These will be fully quantified in due course. 38

Project status: All seven NFM Catchment Communities have been fully engaged. Landowner engagement is now 50% of the agreed target (112 landowners) across all catchments with a significant quantity and range of measures now in place. The NFM Capital Grant scheme has already recommended some £38k to deliver NFM works where other funding is not possible. In addition, £233.4k of Mid- Tier Stewardship funding has been sought across the Programme which is over 50% of the £400k target, adding considerable benefit to the project.

A key feature of the landowner engagement and farm advisory reports is the testing and evaluation of soils where comparisons are being made between fields and sites on soil structure, organic matter, earthworm count and infiltration. This information and the resulting measures that follow will be fully evaluated by the project.

Northamptonshire Yelvertoft Flood Storage Area Recondition Works, Crick Road, Yelvertoft Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 £102,000 year programme FCRM GIA funding £102,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £80,000 Homes better - protected Supplier - Confidence in n/a Number of homes Confidence in Yelvertoft FSA is located upstream of Yelvertoft delivery of homes n/a Village before March 2021

Description of scheme: The spillway on the existing control structure has deteriorated to the point that reconstruction is required, there are also a number of small maintenance improvements required to headwalls which form part of the storage area.

Environmental enhancements: Habitat piles have been created as part of vegetation clearance. Great Crested Newt habitat areas have also been created during the construction phase of the work.

Project status: Phase 1 construction involving repairs to the control structure were completed in March 19. Repairs to embankments and headwalls were completed during June/ July 19. We are currently awaiting acceptable vegetation coverage in the repaired areas.

39

Shropshire

Coronation Road, Craven Arms, FAS Lead RMA Shropshire Council Funding over 6 £73,000 year programme FCRM GIA funding £63,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £10,000 2019/20 Budget £65,000 Homes better 20 OM2 protected Supplier - Confidence in 2 (Medium-Low) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 2 (Medium-Low) before March 2021

Description of scheme: The scheme is to provide increased flood resilience to 18 properties that suffered from internal flooding on 31st May 2018. A section 19 investigation has been conducted and the flooding has been attributed to low channel conveyance and a screen blockage. The scheme would include replacing the trash screen on the culvert to one of modern design that will allow for easier maintenance and reduce the risk of further blockages. Shropshire Council is proposing to assess the benefit of the replacement screen through a feasibility study, and then to change the screens or alternatively install some PFR.

Environmental enhancements: Environmental benefits to be assessed as final design emerges.

Project status: The section 19 investigation report has just been released and the Council is planning to commission a consultant for the feasibility study by the end of September.

40 Hunters Gate, Surface Water Flood Alleviation Scheme, Much Wenlock Lead RMA Shropshire Council Funding over 6 year £138,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £138,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £128,000 Homes better 23 OM2 protected Supplier - Confidence in 3 (Medium-High) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 4 (High) before March 2021

Description of scheme: The initial proposals are to install Property Flood Resilience measures, but by working with Severn Trent Water and bringing into service an existing unused pipe flood risk can be further reduced. This may provide an additional opportunity to direct water away from the town centre culvert, further increasing the town’s resilience to flooding.

Environmental enhancements: Environmental benefits to be assessed as final design emerges.

Project status: Scoping meetings between Shropshire Council and Severn Trent Water have been held to understand the state of the network. Wenlock Estates is willing to develop the land south of Hunter’s Gate and McCloy Consulting (SuDS specialist) has been appointed to look at a possible scheme. Shropshire Council is organising a meeting with all potential stakeholders at the end of September 2019 to decide on the way forward.

Longden, Flood Alleviation Scheme Lead RMA Shropshire Council Funding over 6 year £36,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £21,000 Local levy funding £12,500 Contributions £2,500 No photo supplied 2019/20 Budget £27,500 Homes better protected 5 OM2 Supplier - Confidence in Number of 1 (Low) homes Confidence in delivery of 3 (Medium-High) homes before March 2021

41

Description of scheme: This is a Property Flood Resilience scheme to provide a level of protection to 5 properties in the village of Longden in Shropshire.

Environmental enhancements: Limited opportunity for environmental benefits in PFR project.

Project status: Shropshire Council is developing the business case. Shropshire Council estimates it will be able to undertake initial property surveys by December 2019 and is currently going through the tendering process.

Natural Flood Management, Shropshire, Severn Tributaries Lead RMA Shropshire Council Funding over 6 year £626,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £626,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £195,000 Homes better n/a protected Supplier - Confidence in Number n/a of homes Confidence in delivery Leaky wooden structure (Shropshire of homes before n/a Wildlife Trust) March 2021

Description of scheme: This is a NFM catchment scale project funded from the Defra £15 million allocation. The project will reduce flood risk across the Corvedale and Coalbrookdale catchments, provide data and evidence in support of the NFM interventions, engage communities and provide wider benefits including improved water quality and additional habitat. The project will integrate with existing flood schemes, (Coalbrookdale Flood Relief Works and Culmington PLP), and link with other funding opportunities including mid-tier stewardship across the catchments.

Environmental enhancements: This project will deliver Outcome Measure 4s, primarily Wetland Habitat created (OM4a), KM’s of WFD protected areas enhanced (OM4c) and KM of WFD waterbodies enhanced (OM4d). These will be fully quantified in due course.

Project status: A significant number of interventions have now been installed within the Corve catchment, with measures also being delivered in the Coalbrookdale catchment following extensive landowner engagement. The next Steering Group meeting is on 10 October 2019 where an update on the proposed monitoring programme including the Research & Development programme by Cardiff University will be provided.

42

North East Bomere Heath, Shropshire, Flood Alleviation Scheme Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £105,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £10,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £95,000 2019/20 Budget £75,000 Homes better 6 OM2 protected Supplier - Confidence in 3 (Medium-High) Number of homes

Confidence in delivery of homes 3 (Medium-High) before March 2021

Description of scheme: This scheme will manage the complex flooding issues arising from interactions between a culverted watercourse and the sewer network. The flooding affects 6 properties in Bomere Heath. The scheme has significant funding and design contributions from Severn Trent Water.

Environmental enhancements: Environmental benefits to be assessed as final design emerges.

Project status: A joint meeting with Severn Trent Water, Shropshire Council and the Environment Agency took place in March 2019 to discuss and agree the final design. The current intention is to submit an exception report to request further funding to satisfy the funding gap for the updated design from Severn Trent Water.

Oswestry Surface Water FAS Lead RMA Shropshire Council Funding over 6 year £270,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £0 Local levy funding £20,000 Contributions £250,000 2019/20 Budget £270,000 Homes better protected 350 OM2 (Pipeline) Supplier - No photo supplied Confidence in Number of 1 (Low) homes Confidence in delivery of homes before March n/a 2021

43

Description of scheme: Shropshire Council has identified a need for a comprehensive approach to rationalise development ideas and combine resources to stimulate housing and employment development in Oswestry. The development of an integrated drainage management strategy is expected to draw together drainage and flood risk management, and address surface water drainage and subsequent wastewater system capacity issues to enable sustainable growth in Oswestry.

Environmental enhancements: Environmental benefits to be assessed as final design emerges.

Project status: The Council has commissioned a consultant for the integrated drainage management strategy, with additional funding secured from the One Public Estate funding pot.

Pontesbury FAS Lead RMA Shropshire Council Funding over 6 year £85,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £75,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £10,000 2019/20 Budget £80,000 Homes better 10 OM2 No photo supplied protected Supplier - Confidence in Number 2 (Medium-Low) of homes Confidence in delivery 2 (Medium-Low) of homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: The scheme is to provide increased flood resilience to 13 properties that suffered from internal flooding on 2nd June 2018. A section 19 investigation has been conducted and the flooding has been attributed to low channel conveyance and a screen blockage. The scheme would be to maintain the watercourse and consider natural flood management (“slow the flow”) solutions upstream of the catchment. Shropshire Council is proposing to assess the benefit of different options through a feasibility study, and then to implement them or alternatively install some PFR. Environmental enhancements: Environmental benefits to be assessed as final design emerges.

Project status: The section 19 investigation report has just been released and the Council is in the process of commissioning a feasibility study.

44

River Clun/Teme SAC and SSSI – Unmuddying the Waters Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £1,238,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £596,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £642,000 2019/20 Budget £150,000 Homes better protected n/a No photo supplied Supplier - Confidence in Number n/a of homes Confidence in delivery of homes before March n/a 2021

Description of scheme: This is a project which addresses the main impacts that are causing the River Clun SAC to fail its Conservation Objectives for phosphates, nitrates and suspended solids, all of which impact the Freshwater Pearl Mussel for which the river is designated.

Environmental enhancements: A suite of riparian measures and interception of sediment pathways such as fencing, riparian and in stream habitat improvements, installation of alternative drinking supplies and tree planting are reducing the amount of sediments and nutrients entering the river and its tributaries. The provision of boulders in the river at Bush Farm along with riparian measures as set out above provides improved habitat which has potential for mussel translocation. As well as benefiting Freshwater Pearl Mussel this work contributes to an overall improvement of the riverine habitat.

Project status: As well as working in partnership with Shropshire Hills AONB, the Severn Rivers Trust and the Woodland Trust, the partnership has expanded to include Shropshire Wildlife Trust who are enabling the project to move into a phase of addressing issues of water flow and retention using Natural Flood Management. This has the potential to reduce flooding in Clunton

45 Wesley Brook, Shifnal, Flood Alleviation Scheme Lead RMA Shropshire Council Funding over 6 year £517,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £267,000 Local levy funding £250,000 Contributions £0 No photo supplied 2019/20 Budget £200,000

Homes better protected 87 OM2 Supplier - Confidence in Number of 2 (Medium-Low) homes Confidence in delivery of 2 (Medium-Low) homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: The scheme aims to reduce flood risk to 87 properties in Shifnal by including a suite of measures such as Property Flood Resilience, pinch point removal, NFM measures and possible upstream flood storage.

Environmental enhancements: Potential for NFM work which could provide improved water quality and habitat improvement.

Project status: The final calibration of the hydraulic model has been done by the consultant and a list of options as well as an updated number of properties at risk should be available by the end of October. The Outline Business Case will be completed for November 2019 and the construction work is expected in early 2020, subject to the relevant approvals being in place.

Worthen, Flood Alleviation Scheme

Lead RMA Shropshire Council Funding over 6 year £96,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £65,000 Local levy funding £31,000 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £44,000 No photo supplied Homes better 16 OM2 protected Supplier - Confidence in Number 3 (Medium-High) of homes Confidence in delivery of homes before 3 (Medium-High) March 2021

46

Description of scheme: The scheme is for Property Flood Resilience scheme with potential for a flood relief channel to increase resilience to 16 properties from the unnamed ordinary watercourse in the village of Worthen in Shropshire.

Environmental enhancements: Potential for additional channel relief works which could provide improvements to water quality and habitat creation.

Project status: Originally outside of the current programme, the scheme has been accelerated in order to deliver its outcomes during 2019/20. Shropshire Council is commissioning the options report currently and has submitted the approval form for an initial options appraisal.

Telford & Wrekin Undefended Properties in the Ironbridge Gorge, Individual Property Protection Lead RMA Telford & Wrekin Council Funding over 6 year £10,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £0 Local levy funding £10,000 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £10,000 No photo supplied Homes better protected 38 OM2 (Pipeline) Supplier - Confidence in Number of 1 (Low) homes Confidence in delivery of 1 (Low) homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: This Telford & Wrekin Council-led scheme is to provide a level of protection from flooding for up to 38 properties through the installation of Property Flood Resilience measures. In addition we are proposing to set up a resident’s self-help “Flood Action” group. This group will aid the installation of the products supplied on properties owned by the infirm or on properties where owners are away.

Environmental enhancements: Limited opportunity for environmental benefits in PFR projects.

Project status: Telford and Wrekin Council has taken the decision to move the delivery of the scheme beyond the 6 year programme whilst additional funding is sought and a design that is suitable for use in a conservation area is reached. £10k Local Levy has been allocated this year to help gather sufficient information and undertake public engagement to develop the project further. The intention is to amalgamate this scheme with the Coalbrookdale Scheme (no funding for the latter 2019/20).

47

Warwickshire

Alcester FAS Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £1,237,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £265,000 Local levy funding £72,000 Contributions £900,000 2019/20 Budget £600,000 Homes better protected 118 OM2 No photo supplied Supplier - Confidence in Number 2 (Medium-Low) of homes Confidence in delivery of homes before March 2 (Medium-Low) 2021

Description of scheme: Alcester is a town in Warwickshire located at the confluence between the River Alne and Arrow. The town is currently surrounded by flood defences, some of which are designated as below required condition. The scheme aims to increase flood protection to the town by improving existing defences and assets below required condition.

Environmental enhancements: There are a number of environmental benefits which the schemes aims to deliver. These are currently being developed but could include removal of weirs and re-naturalisation of the river corridor.

Project status: Detailed modelling is currently being undertaken to better understand the level of flood risk in Alcester, and the scheme has recently obtained SOC approval. Lower Brailes Flood Alleviation Scheme Warwickshire County Lead RMA Council Funding over 6 year £380,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £380,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £380,000 Homes better 53 OM2 protected Supplier - Confidence in 1 (Low) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 2 (Medium-Low) before March 2021

48

Description of scheme: Property Flood Resilience (PFR) scheme to better protect up to 53 properties in Lower Brailes.

Environmental enhancements: In partnership with the scheme Brailes Flood Action Group are also looking at the possibility of delivering a NFM scheme.

Project status: Topographical surveys and channel surveys will have been completed by mid-September. This data gathered will then be used to better inform the model. The model will be completed by January 2020, with a view to submitting the Outline Business Case by February 2020. Based on the above dates an exception report has been submitted to move the claiming of the OM2s and FDGiA into financial year 20/21.

Natural Flood Management – Shipston-on-Stour Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £345,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £195,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £150,000 2019/20 Budget £50,000 Homes better - protected No photo supplied Supplier - Confidence in n/a Number of homes

Confidence in delivery of homes n/a 2007 floods in Shipston-on-Stour before March 2021

Description of scheme: This is a natural flood risk management scheme to reduce flooding to 80 properties within Shipston-on-Stour working with partners including Shipston Area Flood Action Group, Warwickshire County Council, National Flood Forum and others.

Environmental enhancements: As a Natural Flood management project this scheme provides many benefits including providing wetland areas, reduction in sediment movement and improvement of water quality.

Project status: 360 natural flood management features have now been installed and monitoring is being undertaken. The project is looking for additional funding to expand works across the Stour catchment.

49

Pailton, Rugby, Flood Alleviation Scheme Warwickshire County Lead RMA Council Funding over 6 £101,000 year programme FCRM GIA £53,467 funding Local levy £0 funding Contributions £46,633 2019/20 Budget £101,000 Homes better 12 OM2 protected Supplier - Confidence in 3 (Medium-High) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 4 (High) before March 2021

Description of scheme: Originally we were looking to develop a scheme to provide additional upstream storage to benefit 12 properties from surface water flooding. After further remodelling we believe that a Property Flood Resilience (PFR) scheme maybe a more economically viable option that would increase the OM2s to around 30.

Environmental enhancements: In conjunction with the proposed PFR scheme, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) will be looking to support a phase 2 at a later date. This will involve WCC supporting the local community to deliver an NFM scheme to the upstream catchment, in addition to the PFR. WCC will liaise with key stakeholders with regards to implementing any enhancements and securing additional funding.

Project status: We have completed a topographical survey, undertaken modelling and a storage volume assessment for providing additional upstream storage. We have undertaken further detailed survey and property threshold level data to inform the business case development. After detailed modelling, WCC are currently reviewing the draft Outline Business Case which should be submitted for approval November 2019. Confidence of delivery remains high.

50

Stratford-upon-Avon, Racecourse Brook, Flood Alleviation Scheme Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £1,116,500 programme FCRM GIA £776,500 funding Local levy £40,000 funding Contributions £300,000 2019/20 Budget £106,400 Homes better 200 OM2 (pipeline) protected Supplier AECOM Confidence in Number of 1 (Low) homes Flooding at Racecourse Brook. Confidence in delivery of 2 (Medium-Low) homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: The scheme aims to protect 209 properties from a 1 in 100 (1% AEP) fluvial flood event on the Racecourse Brook through the construction of two upstream flood storage areas.

Environmental enhancements: Work is ongoing to establish any environmental enhancements linked to the works, particularly habitat creation which forms part of the EA’s targets for Outcome Measure 4.

Project status: The project has been allocated to AECOM via the West Midlands Programme Delivery Unit. The Strategic Outline Case (SOC) has now been completed and submitted to NPAS for technical approval. The SOC shows that up to 209 residential and 83 commercial properties are at risk of flooding in the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) event. Upstream flood storage has been identified as the preferred option which would address the project objectives. Further investigations are required to understand the flood risk downstream of the canal, including the flood mechanisms and what can be done to protect properties in that area. The outcome of the economic assessment has resulted in a benefit-cost-ratio of 6.39 to 1 and a raw Partnership Funding score of 52%. A significant amount of additional funding will need to be secured to progress the scheme.

51

Welford-on-Avon Flood Alleviation Scheme Warwickshire County Lead RMA Council Funding over 6 year £90,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £90,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £90,000 Homes better 13 OM2 protected Supplier - Confidence in 2 (Medium-Low) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 3 (Medium-High) before March 2021

Description of scheme: Delivery of a Property Flood Resilience (PFR) scheme to better protect properties at risk of flooding in Welford–on-Avon.

Environmental enhancements: This scheme is being modelled within a current batch of schemes and any opportunities for environmental enhancement will be explored; however significant opportunities for enhancement are not expected.

Project status: Modelling for the Welford schemes remains to be completed; however it is felt that the flood outlines currently available do not represent the full extent of the surface water risk within the community. Given this under representation of risk, WCC are optimistic that the desired OM2 targets can be reached. Of some concern however is the poor response rate to our scheme engagement questionnaires. WCC as such will seek expressions of interest from residents likely to participate prior to submission of the final OBC in order to provide more confidence around what is deliverable. Delivery of the Welford scheme is still envisaged to be before April 2020 based on the likely preferred option of PFR.

52

Withybrook, Warwickshire Flood Alleviation Scheme Lead RMA Severn Trent Water Funding over 6 year £719,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £40,000 Local levy funding £72,000 Contributions £607,000 2019/20 Budget £95,000 Homes better 9 OM2 protected Supplier Royal HaskoningDHV Confidence in 2 (Medium-Low) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 2 (Medium-Low) before March 2021 Surface water flood map at Withybrook

Description of scheme: This scheme involves channel re-profiling in Withybrook village, Warwickshire to reduce the flood risk to 9 properties at fluvial and sewer flooding.

Environmental enhancements: The Stage 1 Habitat Survey indicates that white clawed crayfish and water voles may be present within Withybrook because the watercourse displays optimal habitat for these species. There is potential to offer protection for these species and the scheme will also look to re-naturalise the watercourse.

Project status: The sewerage element of the capital scheme has been completed and became operational in January 2019. At the moment we are still on site finishing off the landscaping. Severn Trent have invested £602,000 in the sewerage scheme. There are significant implications from the results of the Phase 1 Habitat Survey, as the report completed by Royal Haskoning DHV suggests that Withybrook is a suitable habitat for White Clawed Crayfish and Water Voles which is causing delays to the project. This is because we need to confirm if these species are present or not. There is a risk of this scheme not being delivered in the 6 year programme so we are exploring alternative delivery routes with other organisations.

53

Worcestershire Areley Kings Flood Alleviation Lead RMA Wyre Forest District Council Funding over 6 year £10,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £0 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £10,000 2019/20 Budget £5,000 Homes better 29 OM2 (pipeline) protected No photo supplied Supplier - Confidence in 1 (Low) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes n/a before March 2021

Description of scheme: The project is to create storage in the upper reaches of the Dunley Brook catchment, including the use of above ground SuDS in a green space within the estate and improving conveyance by de-culverting or upsizing privately owned sections of culvert.

Environmental enhancements: Creating flood storage areas and SuDS within the estate at flood risk

Project status: The modelling is currently under development by Severn Trent Water Ltd.

Badsey Brook – Childswickham and Broadway Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £3,352,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £2,143,000 Local levy funding £462,500 Contributions £746,500 2019/20 Budget £5,000 Homes better 250 OM2 protected Supplier Jackson Hyder Confidence in 5 (Scheme completed) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes 5 (Scheme completed) Completed scheme (October 2018). before March 2021

54

Description of scheme: This is an Environment Agency led flood alleviation scheme consisting of a flood storage area in Broadway. The partnership scheme reduces flood risk to over 250 properties in Broadway, Childswickham and Murcot.

Environmental enhancements: The Environment Agency Field Team has completed in-channel environmental improvement works during Spring 2019.

Project status: The Environment Agency’s contractor Jackson-Hyder has completed the main construction works and the scheme is now operational. The Environment Agency Field Teams have now completed the fencing and landscaping works. The official opening ceremony took place on the 4th of October 2018. The event was well attended, we received a range of positive feedback and the scheme was promoted by social media and on BBC Midlands Today. Ongoing work includes finalising the flood warning service and flood mapping updates.

Barbourne Brook FAS Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £162,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £0 Local levy funding £162,000 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £150,000 Homes better 131 OM2 (pipeline) protected Supplier - Confidence in 1 (Low) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes n/a Barbourne flooding 1998. before March 2021

Description of scheme: This is an Environment Agency led flood alleviation scheme to further reduce flood risk from the Barbourne Brook. Currently it is anticipated the scheme will consist of further flood storage to alleviate risk downstream.

Environmental enhancements: It is anticipated that working with the Natural Flood Management project for Worcestershire there will be enhancements to the watercourse, introducing meanders and wetlands.

Project status: The scheme is currently at initial assessment stage with scheme delivery outside of the 6 year programme. However, depending on outputs from modelling, there is potential that the scheme could be accelerated. The hydraulic modelling in partnership with Worcester City Council is currently being reviewed by the Environment Agency. On completion the Initial Assessment will be further progressed. 55

Bewdley Property Level Protection, River Severn Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £551,197 programme FCRM GIA funding £166,000 Local levy funding £385,197 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £75,000 Homes better protected 44 OM2 Supplier Aquobex Confidence in Number of A bespoke colour coded property 4 (High) homes flood barrier system upstream of Confidence in delivery of Beales Corner. 4 (High) homes before March 2021

Description of scheme: This is an Environment Agency led project to deliver Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures to reduce flood risk for 44 properties.

Environmental enhancements: Limited opportunity for environmental benefits in PFR project.

Project status: The contractor has now installed the Property Level Resilience measures to 36 properties. These works consist of PVC flood doors, sumps and pumps and flood boards.

The innovative timber flood doors for the remaining 8 properties will be completed during Autumn 2019 as these are reliant on the manufacture, testing and kite marking of the flood door.

The provisional date for withdrawal from the temporary flood barriers at Beales Corner is in March 2020, however this will be periodically reviewed. A partnership approach with Bewdley Town Council, Wribbenhall Flood Group and community volunteers is currently being worked through to enable the temporary barrier to continue in the short term.

NFM - Worcestershire Avon Cotswold Tributaries Worcestershire County Lead RMA Council Funding over 6 year £540,000 programme

FCRM GIA funding £540,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £0 2019/20 Budget £153,000 Homes better n/a protected Supplier Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Confidence in n/a Number of homes Confidence in Locations of NFM in delivery of homes n/a Worcestershire. before March 2021 56

Description of scheme: This is a NFM catchment scale project funded from the Defra £15 million allocation. The project will focus on reducing flood risk in three distinct catchment areas in Worcestershire. The catchments have a diversity of flood risk characteristics from dispersed, small rural communities to urban and industrial developments.

Environmental enhancements: NFM Project

Project status: NFM measures have been agreed with Charlton Abbots Estate on 300 metres of the and have been implemented in April by the Estate’s Forestry Team. A second project at Toddington Manor which will create a 5 hectare offline attenuation area and wetland area has started.

Recovery of the Severn Estuary SAC and delivery of River Teme (SSSI) river restoration plan Lead RMA Environment Agency

Funding over 6 year £21,999,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £3,609,000 Local levy funding £0 Contributions £18,390,000 2019/20 Budget £5,400,000 Homes better protected n/a Supplier TVO Confidence in Number of n/a homes Confidence in delivery of homes before March n/a Powick shad pass 2021

Description of scheme: A multi-partner project which began in 2014, aimed at improving the Severn Estuary population of Twaite Shad (Annexe II SAC species) along with significant community and heritage outputs. Leading partner is the Severn Rivers Trust, alongside the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Canal and Rivers Trust.

Environmental enhancements: The Environment Agency installed two fish passes in 2018, both on weirs on the River Teme at Powick and Knightsford Bridge. Additional work is currently being undertaken in 2019 at Knightsford Bridge after which we will have restored dozens of KMs of fish spawning habitat associated with the Severn Estuary SAC.

Project status: Further to the above enhancements, the Environment Agency is also leading ground breaking monitoring for the project which provides detailed science which is complimented by a comprehensive citizen science programme. Lead partners Canal and River Trust have also started on fish pass construction at Bevere on the River Severn. The Agency team involved in this project recently received the EA Team Award for their involvement with the project. 57

Severn Stoke Flood Alleviation Scheme, River Severn Environment Lead RMA Agency Funding over 6 year £1,350,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £190,000 Local levy funding £345,000 Contributions £815,000 2019/20 Budget £835,000 Homes better 19 OM2 (pipeline) protected Supplier - Confidence in Flooding in Severn Stoke, 2007 3 (Medium-High) Number of homes Confidence in delivery of homes n/a before March 2021

Description of scheme: This is a raised flood bank and road scheme to reduce flood risk to 19 properties and key infrastructure from the River Severn and surface water run-off.

Environmental enhancements: Environmental benefits to be confirmed at design stage.

Project status: The scheme is currently in the design phase. Since last quarter the planning application is getting nearer to submission, collaboration agreements are in development, the final design is being developed and the business case is being completed for sign off. Further discussions have been held regarding land purchase which may push construction toward the end of 19/20. Surface water modelling has been undertaken in partnership with Worcestershire County Council and Severn Trent Water, revisions are being made to take account of the findings.

58

Projects in Multiple Counties

National Property Flood Resilience Package Lead RMA Environment Agency Funding over 6 year £3,247,000 programme FCRM GIA funding £1,335,000 Local levy funding £1,866,000 Contributions £46,000 2019/20 Budget £1,161,500 Homes better Up to 352 OM2 protected No photo supplied Supplier JBA Consulting, Flood Control Ltd. Confidence in 2 (Medium-Low) Number of homes

Confidence in delivery of homes 3 (Medium-High) before March 2021

Description of scheme: This is an Environment Agency led scheme which will package together the Property Flood Resilience projects in Bishops Frome, Cam, Dudbridge, (incl. Bretforton, South Littleton), Gloucester to Tewkesbury, Himbleton, Droitwich (incl. Hunters Way), Stroud (incl. Nailsworth) River Wye (Brockweir, Elmdale, Lydbrook, Redbrook), Shrewsbury and Wickhamford.

Environmental enhancements: Limited opportunity for environmental benefits in PFR projects.

Project status: The Property Flood Resilience Framework went live in November 2018. We have gone out to tender to procure a contractor to complete detailed property surveys and installation of PFR measures. We are delivering the projects in Phases, with Phase 1 (Wickhamford, Gloucester to Tewkesbury, Brockweir, River Wye (Redbrook and Lydbrook) and Evesham to be delivered by March 2021.

Phase 2 will be delivered post 2021, but we will seek to accelerate to deliver OM2s earlier in the programme where we can. Acceleration of the programme is dependent upon funding, community engagement and PFR uptake.

The Consultant and Contractor have been appointed following a successful Business Case. Engagement with property owners in Brockweir and Wickhamford has started in September 2019. Engagement with property owners in Gloucester to Tewkesbury will follow from October 2019 into the New Year.

59

English Severn & Wye Regional Flood and Coastal Committee Meeting date: 15 October 2019 ITEM 9

Paper by: Area Programme Manager

Subject: Local Levy Funding 2020/21

Recommendations

1. The Local Authority Members of the English Severn and Wye RFCC are asked to approve the Local Levy for 2020/21 by voting on the options presented in this paper.

1.0 Introduction

1.1 The purpose of this paper is to assist the English Severn and Wye RFCC to set the Local Levy for 2020/21.

2.0 Background

2.1 Under Section 17(1) of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the Environment Agency issues an annual levy to Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs). This Local Levy is a locally raised source of income for RFCCs which is additional to Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA).

2.2 The Environment Agency (Levies) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 set out the mechanism for the Environment Agency to apportion the Local Levy to LLFAs.

2.3 Under Section 23 (3) of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 the consent of the RFCC is required in order for the Environment Agency to issue a levy. This must be agreed by the majority of Local Authority appointed members.

2.4 The total amount of the Local Levy is set by the RFCC to fund their agreed programme of works. Unlike FDGiA, Local Levy funds can be carried forward from one year to the next.

2.5 FDGiA is allocated according to priorities based on flood and coastal erosion risks and delivery of outcomes determined by Defra. FDGiA can provide significant funding towards local projects, however, local funding is needed to lever-in and secure the FDGiA for the majority of projects. This means that the more local funding through Local Levy or local contributions which can be raised, the greater the amount of FDGiA that can be secured.

2.6 Local Levy continues to be set annually whilst FDGiA investment as of 2015/16 is allocated into a 6 year programme of works up until 2020/21. The Partnership Funding approach along with the 6 year investment programme calls for a longer term approach to levy investment.

OFFICIAL 60

3.0 The Benefits of Using the Local Levy

3.1 Local Levy is critical to developing and delivering the future programme for the English Severn and Wye RFCC. It remains a sound investment option for local authorities to attract significant income into local communities to enable risk management authorities to work with communities and reduce flood risk.

3.2 Prior to the introduction of Partnership Funding there was no relationship between the Local Levy and the amount of FDGiA income. However, under Partnership Funding, Local Levy continues to be an important mechanism to top up contributions in order to secure FDGiA income for local community projects.

3.3 An important feature of Local Levy is that it can be used strategically to draw in FDGiA funding that might otherwise not be allocated to the RFCC. It is also used to support the full range of flood risk management activities necessary to deliver the outcomes for communities facing flood risk, providing the committee with flexibility and choice in how it prioritises projects.

3.4 Local Levy income is essential for levering in national FDGiA, together with local contributions from other sources. Through the Local Levy, local authorities pay a small contribution to flood risk management activities in their areas and get back more than what they put in through the allocation of FDGiA.

3.5 There are a range of outcomes that RFCCs are achieving through their use of Local Levy. The most important benefit is the local engagement and the clear links to people and communities and achieving financially backed community - wide support in the form of contributions.

3.6 In future years the committee will continue to take a catchment approach to managing flood risk, realising that work in one area benefits those at risk both upstream and downstream in multiple local authority areas. It will seek to approve programmes including Natural Flood Management (NFM) that spread those benefits widely across the whole Severn and Wye catchment.

4.0 Local Choices

4.1 At the July 2019 RFCC meeting the English Severn and Wye RFCC reviewed and endorsed the remainder of the 6 year programme. The current programme assumes that Local Levy income remains consistent in future years as for 2019/20.

4.2 The current Local Levy income is provisionally fully allocated to projects for the life of the 6 year programme. This means that there is currently limited Local Levy available for any new projects, emergency works or changes to the programme.

OFFICIAL 61

5.0 Local Levy Options for 2020/21

5.1 The English Severn and Wye RFCC programme is essential for managing and reducing risks from flooding. There are still thousands of properties in areas at significant flood risk from fluvial and surface water flooding in the RFCC’s area. This demonstrates the need for more work to be done to protect people and property from flooding.

5.2 The impacts of changing weather patterns and climate change mean that the national programme and funding from FDGiA is likely to be under increasing pressure meaning that Local Levy will become even more important in the future.

5.3 The majority of RFCCs in England are proposing increases to their Local Levy for 2020/21 to enable them to secure as much of the national grant as possible to deliver flood risk management benefits to local communities.

5.4 Since the start of the 6 year programme in 2015/16 the majority of RFCCs have been increasing their Local Levy each year. The English Severn and Wye RFCC has increased its Local Levy by 2% for each year of the 6 year programme so far. Before that the Committee had not increased its Local Levy since before 2010. Table 1 below shows the Local Levy income for all RFCCs in 2019/20 and the proposed Local Levy changes for 2020/21. It also shows the Local Levy increases each RFCC has made since the beginning of the 6 year programme.

Table 1: Local Levy income nationally for 2019/20 and the proposed increases for 2020/21.

OFFICIAL 62

5.5 This year the English Severn and Wye RFCC has asked for 2% increase option and options to increase by greater than 2%. Four potential options for Local Levy in 2020/21 have been presented in table 2 below.

Option 1: 0% increase This option would represent a cut in real terms due to inflation and the rising competitive nature of other RFCCs who are increasing their Local Levy.

Option 2: 2% increase This option would bring an extra £23K Local Levy into the investment programme for 2020/21 which would look to attract further GiA funding. Over the life of the English Severn and Wye RFCC 6 year programme on average for each £1 of Local Levy raised £8 is attracted from GiA and other sources. An increase therefore of £23K Local Levy is likely to bring £184K into the English Severn and Wye RFCC programme*.

*It should be noted that the Office for National Statistics gives the average inflation rate for the past few years at above 2%. So even a 2% increase in Local Levy would still mean a cut in real terms.

Option 3: 3% increase This option would bring in an extra £35K Local Levy with an estimated overall increase of £280K.

Option 4: 5% increase This option would bring in an extra £58K Local Levy with an estimated overall increase of £464K.

Table 2: RFCC Local Levy options for 2020/21

OFFICIAL 63

7.0 Conclusions and Recommendations

7.1 The English Severn and Wye RFCC is asked to consider and discuss the options relating to the Local Levy for 2020/21.

7.3 The Local Authority Members of the English Severn and Wye RFCC are asked to approve the Local Levy for 2020/21 by voting on the options presented in this paper.

Rhys McCarthy English Severn & Wye FCRM Programme Manager September 2019

OFFICIAL 64

Appendix: Further details of the proposed Partnership Funding amendments Meeting Date: 15 October 2019 ITEM 10

Paper by: Director of Strategy and National Adaptation, Environment Agency & Deputy Director of Floods, Defra

Subject: Partnership Funding for the Future Flood and Coastal Erosion Investment Programme

Recommendations

The RFCC is asked to:

1. Note the progress in preparing a case for a future Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) capital programme. 2. Note that outcomes from a future investment programme will be dependent on amending the Partnership Funding rules, including those coming into operation in April 2021. 3. Provide support and views on a number of potential Partnership Funding rule amendments being considered by Defra and the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency and Defra will take these views into account when deciding on the approach to a new investment programme.

1.0 Introduction

1.1 We have been enormously successful delivering the current Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) investment programme (2015-2021). We are on course to better protect 300,000 homes from flooding, made possible by securing up to £600m of additional funding from partners (government departments and local contributors).

1.2 Over the past 18 months the Environment Agency and Defra have been preparing proposals for a future FCERM investment programme beyond 2021. This will inform government decisions on the nature of this investment programme. It will also inform any changes government wishes to make to the funding policy which guides the allocation of the Grant in Aid (GiA). During this time, we have also collected feedback from Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCCs) on current Partnership Funding rules that define the maximum grant payment Government will contribute towards specified outcome measures.

1.3 Having delivered the most overwhelmingly cost beneficial schemes in the past few years, schemes in the future programme on average would require more contributions from others. Previous feedback from RFCC Chairs has been supportive in principle of updating payment rates. This feedback has highlighted the opportunity to reflect wider benefits that can be achieved through FCERM investments, such as safeguarding mental health, and the government’s wider objectives such as those in the 25 Year Environment Plan and Surface Water Management Action Plan. 65

1.4 We are now seeking RFCC views on a number of proposed amendments to the current rules. Subject to decisions by government on the nature of the future investment programme and Defra’s associated funding policy, these could be implemented from the start of the next programme in 2021 on the basis that they are relatively straightforward improvements to the existing Partnership Funding policy framework. Defra and the Environment Agency will take account of these views.

2.0 Proposed rule changes

2.1 Views are sought on four proposed amendments as soon as possible. These are described in summary below, and will be presented in more detail during the meeting.

2.2 Payment rates would be updated and increased to take into account inflation since 2011 when the policy was first introduced. They would also be amended to take account of the mental health impacts of flooding, which are currently poorly valued in flood risk appraisals and were not fully understood when the policy was agreed in 2011. This is supported by evidence from the Environment Agency and Public Health England that shows that mental health impacts are a major part of the householder experience of flooding.

2.3 An Intermediate Risk Band would be introduced to encourage schemes (particularly surface water) that cannot currently achieve a high enough Standard of Protection to trigger a change to a lower likelihood of flooding category. This would be an amendment to the current risk bands and should help more surface water schemes progress.

2.4 Climate Change Impacts would be introduced to further reflect climate change in the funding system, by recognising the benefit to households and properties that become “at risk” during the lifetime of schemes. Some schemes have a design life of 100 years. This amendment would account for the longer term impacts, better integrating climate change into our FCERM scheme appraisal.

2.5 Environmental Benefits / Outcome Measure 4 would amend the existing environmental outcome measure to better account for the additional environmental benefits delivered by FCERM schemes rather than only focussing on statutory designated sites, like Sites of Special Scientific Interest. This amendment would encourage FCERM schemes to embed natural flood management and natural capital approaches and support the objectives of the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan.

2.6 Based on engagement with RFCC chairs, we believe these changes would result in an achievable partnership funding requirement in the next programme. Wider contributions to schemes will remain an important part of the funding policy based on the original principles. They would enable our future programme to contribute positively to a wider range of benefits from the FCERM investments made by the Environment Agency and other risk management authorities. They would also align to the ambitions of the draft FCERM Strategy due to be finalised at the end of this year following Ministerial approval.

66

2.7 As part of the suite of funding improvements, Defra and the Environment Agency are also proposing to introduce an Asset Replacement Fund. This fund would pay more grant in aid for significant capital upgrades when assets have reached the need for replacement - where there is no realistic prospect of securing local contributions and these works have a high benefit-cost ratio. This would strengthen existing practice where the Environment Agency manages deteriorating assets by planning for their sustainable replacement before they require emergency works. The fund would be used as part of the existing Partnership Funding arrangements and would be subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

3.0 Implementation of rule amendments

3.1 Subject to feedback, and Ministerial approval, we propose to capture the data necessary to implement the four rule amendments above, during the next capital programme refresh. This would require clear guidance and tools to be available to Environment Agency, other risk management authorities and suppliers by April 2020, in order to prepare for a new programme start in April 2021.

3.2 Subject to government decisions on the nature of the next investment programme, Defra will need to update the overall Partnership Funding policy in advance of April 2021. Defra will work with the Environment Agency to determine how any further rule changes would be applied to the next programme.

4.0 Recommendations

4.1 The RFCC is asked to: 1. Note the progress in preparing a case for a future Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) capital programme. 2. Note that outcomes from a future investment programme will be dependent on amending the Partnership Funding rules, including those coming into operation in April 2021. 3. Provide support and views on a number of potential Partnership Funding rule amendments being considered by Defra and the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency and Defra will take these views into account when deciding on the approach to a new investment programme.

Author: Julie Foley and David Cooper Job title: Director Strategy & National Adaptation (EA), Deputy Director of Floods (Defra) Sponsor: Julie Foley, EA Date: 23 September 2019

67

Appendix

Further details of the proposed Partnership Funding amendments

The detail described here will be considered further as part of the overall development of the proposed changes – to inform a final decision.

1 Payment Rates & Damage Values

The proposed amendments will reflect the updated benefits of investment and result in more grant funding being available to FCERM schemes. This will be a combination of increasing payment rates overall, and counting some benefits, particularly people-related benefits, at the higher household rate. This will reduce the partnership funding requirement for some projects.

Outcome Measure 1 (OM1) focuses on the economic damages avoided and the benefits to businesses, commercial properties and infrastructure. The current payment rate is 5.56p per £ of benefit.

The proposed amendment uses the latest evidence from the 2013/14 and 2015/16 floods on the distribution of flood impacts across different sectors. This will update the payment rate to 6p of Grant in Aid per £ of benefit.

Outcome Measure 2 (OM2) focuses on the benefits to households better protected from flooding. The current payment rates ranges from 20p per £ of benefit (for the least deprived households) to 45p per £ of benefit (for the most deprived households).

Outcome Measure 3 (OM3) focuses on benefits to households better protected from coastal erosion. The current payment rates ranges from 20p per £ of benefit (for the least deprived households) to 45p per £ of benefit (for the most deprived households).

Under our proposals, payment thresholds in both OM2 and OM3 will be updated for inflation since 2011 in line with the HM Treasury recommended approach.

The proposed amendment will update the definition of ‘household benefits’ (OM2) to include people-related benefits, notably recognising mental health impacts. The evidence for this amendment comes from research by the Environment Agency and Public Health England that unequivocally shows mental health impacts are a major part of the householder experience of flooding. The scale of household mental health impacts was unknown when the Partnership Funding policy was agreed in 2011. The proposed amendment will give mental health the same weighting in the funding formula as damages to buildings and contents and will be valued in line with number of households better protected from flooding. This amendment will significantly increase the total potential households protected in a future capital programme and increase average payments per scheme under OM2 by around 20%.

68

2 Intermediate Risk Band

The current eligibility for GiA is dependent on a FCERM scheme demonstrating that they move households from one risk band to a lower one. The risk bands are based on protection against events of a given annual likelihood. The current and proposed risk bands are described in the table below.

Currently, some schemes, particularly surface water schemes, cannot develop a deliverable option to reduce flood risk to moderate or low risk. This may be because highways or sewerage systems have a much lower capacity and would be very expensive to upgrade, or because there is an unrealistic partnership funding gap, that means a scheme will never progress.

This proposal will introduce an additional risk band of 2% annual probability (1 in 50). This will mean schemes that cannot achieve a high enough standard of protection to move properties to the moderate risk band can still qualify for FCERM GiA. The existing moderate and significant risk bands will be adjusted as illustrated in the table below.

Current Risk Bands >0.5% AEP* 0.5% to 1.33% AEP 1.33% to 5% AEP <5% AEP >1:200 1:200 to 1:75 1:75 to 1:20 <1:20 low moderate significant very significan t

Proposed Risk Bands >0.5% AEP 0.5% to 1% AEP 1% to 2% AEP 2% to 5% <5% AEP AEP >1:200 1:200 to 1:100 1:100 to 1:50 1:50 to 1:20 <1:20 low moderate intermediate significant very significan t *AEP = Annual Exceedance Probability, the likelihood of flooding in any given year

3 Climate Change Impacts

Over the lifetime of flood and coastal defence schemes, the underlying risk in terms of sea level, storminess, and peak river levels, will increase due to climate change. Without new schemes, some households currently considered at very low risk of flooding would over time move into higher likelihood categories. The proposed change will mean that the benefits to such households can be captured and claimed.

These properties are currently captured in the economic benefits (OM1) but will now be captured under the households measure (OM2) resulting in more grant being made available to schemes, and a significant number of additional homes protected in the future. This amendment would enable the future capital programme to be more resilient to future climate change risks.

This is in line with government’s policies on climate change including the National Adaptation Programme – which reflects advice from the Committee on Climate Change. The draft FCERM Strategy also recommends that FCERM investments should better plan for future flooding and coastal change in the face of climate change risks.

69

4 Environmental Benefits / Outcome Measure 4

This proposed amendment to the existing Outcome Measure 4 (OM4) will allow projects to attract a contribution for achieving additional environmental benefits over and above the mitigation or compensation required by legal environmental requirements to deliver the scheme (e.g. Habitats Directive compensation requirements).

Currently the outcomes from the existing OM4 are focussed to designated environmental sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The amendment would improve alignment to the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and outcomes to improve habitats and water bodies and enhance natural capital.

This improved measure has been in development for some time and is supported by feedback from Environment Agency and other risk management authority practitioners as well as the RFCC conservation members. The proposed amendment would make it easier to deploy FCERM grant for schemes that deliver multiple benefits, reducing flood risk whilst also contributing to environmental net gain.

The new OM4 payment would be up to 20p per £ of eligible environmental benefit. The proposal is designed to ensure that FCERM investment in environmental benefits complements the scheme to reduce flood and erosion risk and must be fully justified in the business case.

The OM4 payment rate will work in tandem with, but not duplicate, other FCERM GiA funding for statutory, legal environmental requirements associated with existing FCERM assets and operations.

70

ES&W RFCC Committee Meeting Meeting date: 15 October 2019 INFO ONLY – ITEM A

Appendix A: Draft allocation principles Appendix B: Indicative capital allocation for schemes Appendix C: Revenue maintenance indicative allocations for 2020/21 and 2021/22 Appendix D: Annual allocation funding cycles for RFCC’s – a simple guide

Paper by: Director of FCRM Allocation and Asset Management

Subject: 2020/21 Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Grant in Aid (GiA) indicative allocation for capital and revenue funding

Recommendations:

The RFCC Committees are asked to:

1. Note the draft indicative allocations for FCRM capital and revenue GiA funding (Appendix B and C). 2. Where relevant, undertake local choices on their capital and revenue programmes. 3. Support the capital programme prioritisation criteria (Section 2.4).

Headline messages: • This paper requires Committees to discuss their capital and revenue indicative allocations, and where appropriate, identify any required changes to the programme (undertake Local Choices). • Local choices decisions must meet the required criteria, as set out in section 3. • To ensure we meet our 300,000 homes better protected target by March 2021 the capital programme has been based around the indicative allocations from last year to help create stability. • We are on track to deliver our collective 300,000 homes better protected target but challenges remain. We require RFCC programmes to deliver the homes set out in the indicative allocations to make sure we meet this target. • On 10 September the government announced an additional £62.4m funding uplift for schemes, mainly benefiting the Northern Powerhouse. This will help relieve some of our funding pressures during 2020/21. • We are still seeking to secure a long term funding settlement. If successful, this may be announced in late October or November, as part of the Autumn Statement. We will keep the RFCC Committees updated on progress and announcements. • Please refer to the April 2019 National Allocation paper for a simple overview of the capital and revenue allocation process.

71

1.0 Introduction

1.1 This paper is the first stage in allocating FCRM GiA for financial year 2020/21. This is the final year of the current 6 year capital programme.

1.2 The detail of the FCRM GiA capital allocation for the English Severn and Wye RFCC has been discussed and endorsed at the July RFCC meeting in Coventry. Further information has also been provided for the October RFCC meeting.

1.3 The Committees are asked to discuss and identify any required changes to their programme as appropriate (to make their Local Choices), and to endorse the draft indicative capital and revenue allocations.

1.4 A simple guide to the annual allocation process is set out in the appendix of the April 2019 National Allocation paper and should be referred to throughout the year as required. The capital and revenue funding allocation cycles have been included in Appendix D as a reminder.

1.5 In building the indicative allocations, the draft allocation principles and Defra’s Partnership Funding Policy have been applied. They are the allocation principles approved by the EA Board on 7 February 2019 (Appendix A), and remain unchanged from last year.

2.0 FCRM Grant in Aid capital allocation

2.1 This year’s annual refresh of the capital programme is our final opportunity to make sure we can deliver the most outcomes from this 6 year investment programme and reach our collective 300,000 homes better protected target by March 2021.

2.2 Table 1 shows the capital profile for the final year of the programme, and 2019/20 for reference. On 10 September the government announced an additional £62.4m funding uplift for schemes in 5 Environment Agency Areas, see link below. Table 2 shows this funding split by RFCC. The funding profile of £531.4m for 2020/21 is our highest ever annual amount.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-pledges-62m-flood-funding-for- communities-in-england

Table 1: FCRM GiA capital funding profile, £m

Year 5 Year 6

2019/20 2020/21 Pre-Autumn Budget 2017 463 451

Additional funding to accelerate schemes 18 8

Additional funding for deprived communities 20 10

Additional funding uplift September 2019 62.4

Revised profile 501 531.4 315,000 to Forecast ‘most likely’ homes better protected 251,000 320,000 72

Table 2: Additional funding uplift by RFCC

post 2020/21 RFCC 2020/21 Total £m £m Anglian Northern 1.2 0 1.2 North West 8.5 14.3 22.8 Northumbria 3.7 0 3.7 Thames 4.9 0.2 5.1 Yorkshire 3.5 26.1 29.6 Total 21.8 40.6 62.4

2.3 Following the July RFCC Committee round, the national Portfolio Management Office (PMO) in the FCRM Directorate, reviewed all Area returns. The initial analysis of the data identified a funding pressure of over £100m. Through discussions between the PMO, National and Area Teams this has reduced to a net pressure of £61m. The additional £62.4m announced on 10 September ensures we off-set this pressure. We will continue to work with Areas to achieve an affordable programme that maximises homes better protected. We will need to return to a full national refresh next year to allocate funding for the start of the next programme on 1 April 2021.

2.4 The programme is being prioritised by homes better protected, as in previous years, to ensure we meet our 300,000 homes target by 31 March 2021. The draft indicative capital allocation has been prioritised using the following approach:

• Projects in construction by 1 October 2019 and statutory and legal ‘must do’s’ • Projects better protecting homes by 2021, then • Projects better protecting homes beyond 2021, prioritised by Partnership Funding score

Our forecast for total homes better protected is now 315,000 - 320,000 homes.

2.5 The PMO undertook a national prioritisation that showed that the homes target would best be achieved through managing close to the existing indicative allocations for 2020/21. These were provided as part of the 2019/20 refresh (shared with RFCC Committees in January) and agreed at the EA Board on 7 February 2019.

2.6 Previous annual allocations have ensured that money has been fairly distributed across the RFCCs in the best way to achieve at least 300,000 homes, and therefore enables us to base this year’s indicative allocations on last year’s figures. This is good news as it allows Area teams greater freedom to manage their capital programmes and 2019/20 and 2020/21 budgets to achieve the targets. It also helps to provide a more stable programme, and should limit any political concerns caused by any major funding changes between the Committees.

2.7 A table showing the indicative allocation by RFCC for 2020/21 for schemes can be found in Appendix B. The table also shows each RFCC’s contribution to the homes better protected target. The figures show the net change – incorporating indicative funding handed back for redistribution from the consented programme, additional funding announced on 10 September and accommodating increases for scheme cost pressures in the programme. The additional £62.4m funding in the recent government announcement will be allocated to the announced schemes over the next few years as they require it. The full amounts are not wholly within 2020/21. 73

2.8 Our focus remains on achieving our fixed 300,000 homes better protected target by end of March 2021. This focus on a shorter term goal means that the programme is in essence now an 18 month programme. Ideally it would consist of a blend of projects at different stages of development to manage FCRM into the future. However, with the current pressure on budgets, we are funding less projects that will feed the programme beyond March 2021.

2.9 In line with our settlement condition for the 6 year programme we would expect to see 10% efficiency savings on the £466m allocation for 2020/21. If half of this £46m were cash releasing, this would free up £23m to reinvest in schemes to help manage any in-year financial pressures.

2.10 The partnership funding contributions required to achieve the homes better protected target for the 6 year programme is in the range of £590m to £650m, of which £550m has already been secured. Achievement of 30,000 homes of the 340,000 maximum possible homes are dependent on contributions which still remain to be secured. We are actively managing this and it is likely that some schemes which cannot secure the required partnership funding will achieve their homes early in the next programme. We welcome the RFCC Committees continued support in securing partnership funding.

3.0 Local Choices

3.1 At the October Committee meetings, RFCCs are asked to review their indicative capital allocations and identify any required changes to the programme. We refer to this as the ‘local choices’ process. Local choices are important to ensure local issues can be taken into consideration and we get the best possible outcomes from the programme both locally and nationally.

3.2 Any changes must ensure that the Committee’s programme:

• Remains within budget and on target to spend its indicative allocated budget for the final year of the programme • Secures, or improves the number of homes better protected

3.3 If additional contributions are identified, from third parties or local levy, RFCCs may be able to increase their programme and deliver more projects and more homes better protected.

3.4 Following the Committee’s returns, the PMO will review these, and as long as they meet the required criteria and are within budget they will be included in the production of the draft final allocation. RFCC Committees will see the draft final allocation again in January for their review and endorsement.

4.0 FCRM Grant in Aid revenue allocation

4.1 Table 3 shows the indicative revenue allocation for 2020/21 and 2019/20 for reference.

74

Table 3: Funding by service level, £m

SR19 EA baseline Service Level 2020/21 ‘roll-over’ 2019/20

Asset Management 210.3 210.3

Incident Management (IM) 24.9 24.9

Partnership and Strategic Overview 7.7 7.7

Biodiversity 4.3 4.3

Retained Services 9.1 9.1

Autumn Budget 2018 - IM 6.6 4.5

Total 262.8 260.8

5.0 Asset management revenue maintenance programme

5.1 Our planning assumption is that we will get a “roll-forward” asset management budget for 2020/21. On that basis we will invest £110m into our Field Operations teams and maintenance programme.

5.2 Over a number of years we have been moving towards a position where all RFCCs are funded to the same level of asset risk as defined in our Asset Information Management System (AIMS). We are now close to achieving this. In previous years we have capped decreases at 10% per year. The maximum decrease for any RFCC Committee is 9% for 2020/21.

5.3 The opening indicative allocation to RFCCs for Area Operations Services teams and maintenance programmes are provided in Appendix C. Further detail on the breakdown of maintenance activities will be provided to RFCC Committees in January.

6.0 Recommendations

The RFCC Committees are asked to:

1. Note the draft indicative allocations for FCRM capital and revenue GiA funding (Appendix B and C).

2. Where relevant, undertake local choices on their capital and revenue programmes.

3. Support the capital programme prioritisation criteria (Section 2.4).

Ken Allison Director FCRM Allocation and Asset Management 16 September 2019

75

Appendix A: FCRM allocation principles

Protect people and homes

• Deliver the £2.6bn six year capital programme • Increased protection for at least 300,000 homes between 2015/16 and 2020/21 • Protect maintenance funding in real terms through this Parliament and re-invest 10% efficiency savings by 2019/20 • Take a risk-based approach to securing the condition of existing assets including channel conveyance • Maintain our ability to warn people and respond to incidents so as to save lives and property • Support the provision of property scale resistance and resilience measures

Working in partnership

• Provide positive contributions to the recently announced Government-led reviews into flood risk management • Achieve third party, including private, investment in line with the Defra partnership funding and contributions policy • Support community-based solutions that are innovative, cost-effective and affordable • Achieve balanced programmes in collaboration with RFCCs • Promoting an integrating approach to managing flood risk working with other Risk Management Authorities • We will take a catchment based approach • Improve our understanding with partners of all flood and coastal erosion risk data and support the government’s ‘Open Data’ commitment making our data and information easily accessible to all who want it

Way we work

• Maintain skills and a pipeline of studies for medium and long-term investment needs • Maximise efficiency savings and value for money • Continue to promote schemes that meet statutory environmental requirements • Promote sustainable development that reduces flood risk • Provide appropriate funding toward the essential support services that enable delivery of flood and coastal risk outcomes • We will work collaboratively across the Environment Agency and with external partners to realise multiple benefits.

76

Appendix B: FCRM GiA indicative capital allocation – schemes only

2020/21 2020/21 Difference refresh vs Programme 2019/20 Current published Refresh indicative indicative allocation for forecast Opening Allocation1 programme indicative allocation RFCC 2020/214 2020/21 allocation2 September 20194 Most likely £m Max homes £m Max homes £m Max homes £m Max homes homes3 Anglian Eastern 35.5 4,620 16.1 2,858 32.0 2,282 15.9 -576 1,826 Anglian Great Ouse 13.1 394 18.7 1,557 26.1 2,184 7.4 627 1,747 Anglian Northern 57.6 16,871 19.3 5,133 46.6 18,449 27.3 13,316 14,759 English Severn and Wye 3.4 674 1.5 400 1.6 900 0.1 500 550 North West 56.9 5,624 73.1 6,194 65.1 5,120 -8.0 -1,074 4,096 Northumbria 10.1 1,167 5.5 1,118 11.7 1,353 6.2 235 1,082 South West 22.5 2,088 20.6 1,050 19.9 2,326 -0.7 1,276 1,861 Southern 42.1 12,914 62.0 13,940 61.8 12,449 -0.2 -1,491 9,959 Thames 48.7 6,267 29.9 5,860 37.2 3,507 7.3 -2,353 2,806 Trent 50 2,481 37.2 10,318 40.6 9,976 3.4 -342 7,981 Wessex 9.1 1,125 13.1 1,286 12.2 1,769 -0.9 483 1,415 Yorkshire 95.3 23,572 104.4 18,205 103.0 22,327 -1.4 4,122 17,862 Total 444.3 78,092 401.4 67,915 457.93 82,442 56.5 14,527 65,954 1. Budget for 2019/20 was amended in Q1 2019/20 to ensure programme remained affordable. Does not include Capital Salaries, Support Programme or Additional Programme. 2. Indicative allocation for 2020/21 given as part of the 2019/20 allocation agreed at EA Board on 7 February 2019. Does not align to 2020/21 in Table 1 as this includes the additional funding. 3. £3.8m is yet to be allocated 4. The figures show the net change – incorporating indicative funding handed back for redistribution from the consented programme, additional funding announced on 10 September and accommodating increases for scheme cost pressures in the programme.

77

Appendix C: FCRM GiA indicative revenue maintenance allocations for 2020/21 and 2021/22

2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 RFCC Allocation, Indicative Allocation Indicative Allocation £k £k £k

Anglian Great Ouse 4,770 4,542 4,087

Anglian Eastern 8,698 8,450 7,955

Anglian Northern 10,287 10,755 10,426

North West 10,645 10,950 11,700

Northumbria 2,475 2,549 2,500

Severn & Wye 4,833 4,411 4,043

South West 5,119 5,004 4,630

Southern 11,276 10,964 10,405

Thames 19,399 20,027 21,021

Trent 12,335 12,730 14,164

Wessex 7,729 7,420 6,870

Yorkshire 12,434 12,198 12,198

Total 110,000 110,000 110,000

78

Appendix D: Annual allocation funding cycles for RFCCs – a simple guide

79

FCERM update paper September 2019 INFO ONLY – ITEM B Planning for the future

Government pledges £6m extra funding for flood defences The new Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers has announced a new round of flood defence investment for communities across Yorkshire, Cumbria, the North East and the South East of England.

Thirteen projects across England will benefit from a share of over £62 million, many of which are located in communities which suffered from flooding during winter 2015.

In total, more than 9,004 homes will be better protected against flooding through this round of funding. The extra funding is in addition to the £2.6 billion to better protect 300,000 homes across the country.

You can find more information

here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-pledges-62m-flood-funding-for-communities-in- england

The 6 year capital investment programme We are approaching the final 18 months of our 6 year capital investment programme and we remain on track to deliver our target of 300,000 homes better protected from flooding and coastal erosion by March 2021. To date, the Environment Agency and other Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) have better protected 195,000 homes. This is a significant achievement by all those involved. We have also secured a total of £548m partnership funding contributions to date within the current 6 year programme. We are confident we will secure the remaining partnership funding contributions required and meet our settlement condition of 10% capital efficiencies over the life of the programme. We remain confident we will reach our target of better protecting 300,000 homes by 2021. However, we will continue to work together with our partners across the country to manage capital programme delivery and put in place interventions to ensure a successful outcome. We are in the midst of the annual programme refresh which will ensure the final year of the programme remains affordable and achieves the 300,000 homes target. Contact: [email protected]

80

Draft FCERM Strategy 2100 consultation - Outcome and next steps On 9 May 2019 we launched our consultation on the draft national flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) strategy for England. This marked the culmination of engagement with over 90 organisations. We received significant interest in the consultation, including numerous press and trade articles. When it closed on 4 July, we had received 400 external and 88 internal responses. We also received 40 letters from organisations with further comments. Overall findings show: • strong support for the vision and ambitions from a range of stakeholders and partners (78%) • a keen interest in the implementation of the strategy • agreement that although the strategy is ambitious many stakeholders would like it to go further We are now using the consultation responses to strengthen the strategy further. We have identified priority recommendations which we plan to test with our key external partners and internal teams in September. We plan to lay the strategy before parliament later this year and publish the final national strategy for England in spring 2020. Contact: [email protected]

Spending Review 2019 We are working with teams across the Environment Agency to develop funding scenarios for consideration in Spending Review 2019 (SR19). HM Treasury have now formally confirmed a one year spending round by the end of September to set departmental budgets for 2020/21, with the next multi-year spending review to be carried out in 2020. The announcement is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-fast-tracks-spending-round-to-free-up- departments-to-prepare-for-brexit. We are informally hearing of the possibility for a longer term settlement for some elements of capital related to infrastructure – flood and coastal risk could be a strong candidate for this. We continue to plan for a long term settlement and our one year submission for 2020/21 is the first stage of our longer term bid. We are listening to feedback particularly related to changes to the partnership funding rules and key outcomes of a future investment programme. Discussions are ongoing with Defra colleagues. Contact: [email protected]

Autumn Budget Statement 2018 Programme Following the announcement of funding last year, the Environment Agency has made significant progress in the delivery of the Autumn Statement 2018 programme. This includes 3 major projects with a total value of £12.5m that will allow us to: • Expand the provision of flood warnings to the 26,000 properties at high risk of flooding from ordinary watercourses, rivers and the sea across England that currently don’t have access to flood warnings. The additional services will be delivered by March 2022 and will give people the information they need to prepare and take timely action to reduce the impacts of floods on their 81

health, property and personal belongings. Environment Agency teams will be working with colleagues in Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) and Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCCs) over the coming months to plan for the introduction of these services over the next 2- 3 years.

• The boosting action on surface water project will deliver a number of the actions identified in Defra’s Surface Water Management Action Plan. One of these is to produce updated/improved local surface water mapping information in key areas. We will shortly be inviting Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) to apply for grants so that they can increase the coverage of detailed local surface water mapping in priority areas, increasing their understanding of local flood risk. This will help LLFAs fulfil their statutory duties through improved local flood risk management in incidents, for long term planning and supporting improvements in understanding national risks. • The boosting action to make homes and buildings more resilient to floods project has recently completed a competitive selection process to identify 3 regional property resilience Pathfinders. These were announced by Therese Coffey MP and the 3 projects have each been allocated funding up to £700,000. The projects aim to increase awareness and uptake of flood resilience measures and the successful bids were: o Yorkshire Future Flood Resilience Pathfinder (led by City of York Council) o Ox-Cam Pathfinder (led by Northamptonshire County Council) South West Pathfinder (led by Cornwall County Council). o Contact: [email protected]

Incident management Toddbrook Reservoir – Whaley Bridge Toddbrook Reservoir spillway partially collapsed on 1 August 2019. Derbyshire Police declared a major incident and led the response, evacuating over 300 homes and businesses from Whaley Bridge.

We supported the incident management and response by: • Providing flood risk forecasting following successive periods of heavy rainfall (200mm of rainfall fell over a 4 day period, much of it over two 6 hour periods) • issuing a severe flood warning to 171 properties for the River Goyt due to potential catastrophic failure of the reservoir • providing hydrological and flood modelling expertise to government, the LRF and the and Rivers Trust (CRT), so they could develop a management plan • co-ordinating national support for the local incident including staff, providing pipework and pumps for the response • Supporting the local community and local resilience forum in the co-ordinated response.

Pumping brought down the water level of the reservoir, owned and operated by the Canal and Rivers Trust and residents were allowed to return to their properties on 7 August 2019. Our contribution was recognised in a letter from the Prime Minister.

We continue to assist the recovery operation by supporting Derbyshire Strategic Recovery Group and the CRT. We provided forecast reservoir levels throughout the operation and are helping CRT to develop their capabilities to make these themselves.

All 214 statutory reservoirs we oversee were inspected between 5 and 11 August 2019. We are tracking the observations to ensure they are all assessed and acted upon. In addition we are asking all reservoir undertakers (approximately 800) to confirm the action they’ve taken since the Toddbrook incident.

82

On 3 September Theresa Villiers MP commissioned an independent review which will investigate what might have led to the damage, whether there was anything that could have prevent or predicted it and identify any lessons learned. Contact: [email protected] or russell.turner@environment- agency.gov.uk

Summer flooding Lincolnshire Two and half times the monthly average rainfall fell in the Lincolnshire area over 3 days between 10 and 12 June 2019. There was 130mm of rain over the area over a very short period of time, almost double the 68mm of rain in 2007 (a notable year for river flooding in Lincolnshire). This led to a greater volume of water running off the Wolds which exceeded the storage capacity of the River Steeping and resulted in the system being overwhelmed. A flood relief channel was overtopped resulting in a breach in the channel defence and flooding to adjacent land. 59 properties were flooded in Wainfleet, as well as 59 other properties across the rest of the area.

Yorkshire On 30 July 2019, a line of storms stretching from Malham to Ripon in Yorkshire developed in the early afternoon and moved north westerly as the afternoon progressed. Reeth and the Arkle Beck were located in the centre of this storm cell which persisted for a number of hours. In 3 hours there was 112 mm of rainfall leading to exceptional flooding. This is twice the average total rainfall for July and rainfall of this magnitude is a 1 in 1000 years event. All local watercourses responded to the rainfall.

The rainfall caused a number of landslips onto roads and a bridge suffered serious damage, as well as flooding to farmland within specific areas of North Yorkshire. Initial reports are 30 confirmed flooded properties and up to 90 properties potentially flooded. The Fire and Rescue Service effected 6 water rescues.

Flood action campaign We are revamping the flood action campaign to be even better and bigger this year. Last year’s campaign resulted in 72% of our target age group of 18-34s able to recall at least one action from our Prepare Act Survive flood plan, smashing through our target of 50%. This year, we are again focussing on knowing what to do in a flood, but broadening our audience to target all those who are at risk but have never flooded, drivers, young people and those who rent their homes.

We’ve got a new look for this year, with the strapline ‘What the Flood?’ and will run a fixed flood campaign week in November, date to be confirmed in the coming weeks. Partners supporting us include Sainsbury’s, ITV News and Weather, the National Union of Students and Flood Re. It will again be a mix of paid-for social content, owned social and PR.

Contact: [email protected]

Environment Agency flood warnings are among the first to go live on Google’s Public Alerts in Europe All Flood Alerts, Flood Warnings and Severe Flood Warnings in England now appear on Google Public Alerts: https://google.org/publicalerts.

This exciting development means that more people will see vital flood warning information. Our warnings will be more visible and will target those who need it most by using location

83 information. Users of Google platforms will receive an alert if they pass through an affected area and warnings will appear as a top result when searching for an affected area.

Google Public Alerts have already been rolled out in the USA, South America and parts of Asia to alert residents to environmental emergencies such as earthquakes, wildfires and extreme temperatures.

The Environment Agency and Defra have been working closely with Google to design and implement this service. A joint press release with Google has been released and a Defra Digital blog is available here: https://defradigital.blog.gov.uk/2019/08/08/first-authority-in-uk-to-partner- with-google-public-flood-alerts/ We continue to work with Google to make continuous improvements to this service.

Contact: [email protected]

The Flood Forecasting Centre is 10 years old The Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) is a successful working partnership between the Environment Agency and the Met Office, bringing together world-leading Meteorological and Hydrological science to create the best possible flood forecasting information used by government, local resilience communities and category 1 and 2 emergency responders to keep the public safe. In April 2019 the FFC marked 10 years of operational service and improvement work.

We are celebrating this milestone with a number of activities including an Anniversary Flood Forecasting User Group on 4 October 2019 at the Met Office HQ in Exeter, where the FFC is based. Invitations have been accepted by Sir James Bevan (CE Environment Agency) and Prof Penelope Endersby (CE Met Office) with the chairs of both organisations also expected to attend.

This event will provide the opportunity to look at how far the FFC has come in terms of operational capability and scientific development. We will showcase our key successes whilst looking to the future against a backdrop of climate change and economic development.

Spaces are available on a limited basis for interested members of the RFCCs. Please contact Russell Turner at the FFC for more information on the anniversary event. [email protected]

Working with others

Natural Flood Management (NFM) reverse auction tool update The Catchment Funding team have developed and undertaken 2 trials of their online reverse auction tool (‘NatureBid’) and are currently finalising a further programme of 6 trials to be completed in 2019/20. The purpose of the approach is to deliver multiple environmental outcomes (via nature- based solutions), whilst ensuring this is done in a cost effective way.

Both trials (summer 2018 and March 2019) ran successfully. The second trial built on the first and saw more bids, which resulted in greater competitive pressure between sellers, thus bringing down the cost of environmental outcomes. For example, the NFM measure that received the most bids was maize management. In the first trial the average payment rate for this was 56% of the usual Countryside Stewardship rate and this dropped to around 29% in the second trial. These early results indicate that a reverse auction mechanism can be successful in achieving greater cost- effectiveness.

84

Table 1: Comparison of auction payments with Countryside Stewardship (CS) payment rates for applicable measures

Looking ahead, we are planning to explore how the approach could work with a broader range of revenue (including water bills and private food and drink sector organisations). We are going to test it in a range of landscapes across the country, taking into consideration multiple environmental outcomes.

Contact: [email protected] or guy.whiteley@environment- agency.gov.uk

New guidance to help councils prepare strategic flood risk assessments We’ve updated our guidance on how to prepare a strategic flood risk assessment (SFRA): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-planning-authorities-strategic-flood-risk-assessment

SFRAs are a vital tool for understanding all sources of flood risk and how this risk will change over time. They help Local Planning Authorities make informed decisions about future development. They can also identify opportunities for reducing the causes and impacts of flooding and for safeguarding the land needed for future flood risk management infrastructure.

The guidance is now more detailed and user-friendly, with advice on joint working and consultation throughout SFRA preparation.

Contact: [email protected]

Project Application Funding Service (GOV.UK Portal) Improvements have been applied to the Project Application Funding Service (PAFS) portal used by RMAs. The portal on GOV.UK enables RMAs to submit FCRM project proposals and apply for FCERM grant-in-aid funding (GiA).

85

The project listened to its stakeholders and focused on improving service resilience, user enhancements and data compliance supporting operational efficiencies. RMAs now have access to a mapping tool to enable information mandated as part of the application to be produced and submitted. A small cohort of RMAs supported user testing and provided very positive feedback.

The PAFS project is part of a wider programme being delivered by the Environment Agency. The Creating Asset Management Capacity Programme (CAMC) is delivering operational efficiencies supported by IT tools across FCRM activities. Information submitted by RMAs through the PAFS portal will be captured within tools being introduced to support users promote, invest, allocate and deliver the capital programme.

A phased implementation of the tools has commenced and will continue over the next 12 months.

Contact: [email protected]

Research and publications

Exploratory sea level projections to 2300 This science report supports the long-term sea level projections included in the UK Climate Projections (UKCP18). One of the headlines findings is that sea levels will continue to rise beyond 2100 and could rise by 4m by 2300. The results are on the UKCP18 website and are already being incorporated in our flood guidance. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exploratory-sea-level-projections-for-the-uk-to-2300

New and amended standard rules for flood risk activities

86

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (EPR) allow us to make standard rules to reduce the administrative burden for applicants while maintaining environmental and flood protection.

We recently consulted on proposals for amendments to the existing standard rules and the creation of 3 new standard rules. Feedback from the consultation was generally positive. The overall aim is to increase the uptake of flood risk activity standard rules permits, while maintaining our commitment to protect the environment and manage flood risk. We have worked in partnership with FCRM Data and Systems to update the Easimap2 screening tool and implement the proposals into our permitting regime. Please advertise the amended and new rules with customers, more details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-activities-environmental-permits#standard-rules-permits Contact: [email protected]

Creating Asset Management Capacity (CAMC) The CAMC Digital Data and Information project has delivered phase 1 of a Data Requirements Library to support digital working and improve information about assets: https://environment.data.gov.uk/asset- management/drl-app/asset-types.

It provides access to our flood risk asset classification structure and data requirements for each type of asset in both human-readable and machine-readable formats. The library starts with data recorded in AIMS: Inventory but in future will expand to other data requirements such as cost and carbon data, engineering and performance standards.

As a result, we are unlocking the information held in multiple documents enabling RMAs and our delivery partners to access and automate these requirements into their processes, understand how we classify our assets and the specific data required. In line with the Government Construction Strategy Building Information mandate, our data needs are accessible to enable digital processes within construction and improve usage and exchange of data across the whole asset lifecycle for all those involved in building new or refurbished flood risk assets.

Contact: [email protected]

New evidence for community engagement on climate adaptation

87

We are carrying out research to develop new approaches to FCERM engagement on climate adaptation. The ‘working together to adapt to a changing climate: flood and coast’ project has recently published an evidence review, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community- engagement-on-climate-adaptation-to-flood-risk

The recommendations are to: • assess the readiness of communities, stakeholders and authorities to make adaptation decisions • consider how people’s attachment to places affects decision-making on local change • frame issues sensitively - using appropriate language can increase people’s comprehension of adaptation and reduce contention • be attentive to local needs and conditions - set realistic engagement goals based on this • adopt a co-production approach and include engagement practitioners, technical specialists, artists and local residents • use participatory methods to build understanding and capacity. Suggested approaches include simulations, visualisation, storytelling and conflict analysis. • create ways to better share learning within RMAs

These findings are being used to inform a community engagement programme which is being piloted in two areas: Hemsby, Norfolk; and Caterham Hill and Old Coulsdon, Surrey/London. Over the next 18 months we will work with local stakeholders and communities to trial new engagement methods, aiming to build shared understanding of long-term risks and future options. The project will produce guidance and resources for decision makers and engagement practitioners. We have also set up a multi-agency practitioner community to exchange knowledge and share learning. For more information or to join the practitioner community, please get in touch.

Contact: [email protected]

88

RFCC Committee Correspondence Paper INFO ONLY – ITEM C

Paper by: Anne Dacey, Deputy Director, Integrated Water Planning, Environment and Business, Environment Agency

Subject: River Basin Management Plans and Flood Risk Management Plans – aligned engagement

Recommendations

RFCC Chairs and Committee members are influential in working with partners to reduce flood risk. As part of the aligned engagement for shaping the River Basin Management Plans and Flood Risk Management Plans (RBMP and FRMPs) we are asking you to respond to the forthcoming Challenges and Choices consultation, and help shape the future approach to the management of the water environment.

The RFCC Committee is asked to:

1. Work with the Environment Agency and partners to promote discussions that identify where flood risk is reduced whilst concurrently improving the water environment. 2. Work with your organisations to complete a Challenges and Choices consultation response by 22 April 2020.

1.0 Background

1.1 River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) were first produced in 2009 and are reviewed and updated every six years. As part of the review and update of the third cycle of the RBMPs, the Environment Agency are launching a consultation in October seeking everyone’s views on the challenges our waters face and the choices we all need to make to improve or maintain this precious resource.

1.2 Challenges and Choices is the second of 3 statutory RBMP consultations. The responses will help shape the future approach to the management of the water environment and will be used to update the existing river basin management plans in December 2021.

1.3 We are working closely with FCERM colleagues to align engagement with the second cycle of Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs), which will also be published in December 2021.

2.0 Water environment challenges

2.1 Currently, only 16% of England’s waters are close to their natural state. At the current rate of progress/investment it will take over 200 years to reach the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan ambition of 75% of waters close to their natural state.

89

2. The Challenges and Choices consultation will address the biggest challenges facing the water environment. It is an online consultation and will present each challenge as a specific page. Each challenge page will have a video, a brief overview with infographics and links to more detailed information on each challenge:

• climate and environment crisis • changes to water levels and flows • chemicals in the water environment • invasive non-native species • physical modifications • plastics pollution • pollution from abandoned mines • pollution from agriculture and rural areas • pollution from towns, cities and transport • pollution from water industry wastewater

2.3 The Challenges and Choices consultation explains (or asks):

• why water is such a vital resource • the current and future challenges that threaten the water environment • how we can work together to manage our waters • who should pay

2.4 By considering both flood risk issues and improvements to the water environment in our discussions, we increase opportunities to identify joint schemes, projects and ways of working which can bring overall time and cost efficiencies.

2.5 We would like you to encourage your networks to promote the Challenges and Choices consultation and seek stakeholder feedback. We would be happy to present at future RFCC committee meetings to give more local detail.

3.0 FRMP and RBMP consultations

3.1 The RBMP Challenges and Choices consultation runs from 22 October 2019 to 22 April 2020. Next year, there will be a joint consultation on the draft FRMP and RBMP plans between October 2020 and April 2021.

4.0 Recommendations

4.1 The RFCC Chairs are / RFCC Committee are asked to:

• Work with the Environment Agency and partners to promote discussions that identify where flood risk is reduced whilst concurrently improving the water environment. • Work with your organisations to complete a Challenges and Choices consultation response by 22 April 2020.

Author: Suzanne Bennett, Senior Engagement Advisor, Strategic Catchment Partnerships, E&B and Dan Bean, Senior Officer, Operations Catchment Services FRMP contact: Kylie Russell, Project Executive, Flood Risk Regulations and improving strategic planning Sponsor: Anne Dacey, Deputy Director, Integrated Water Planning

Date: 06 September 2019

90

Meeting date: 15 October 20219 INFO ONLY – ITEM D

INFORMATION ITEM

Paper by: Evidence & Risk ()

Subject: Flood Forecasting and Flood Resilience Report Early June – September 2019

Recommendation The Regional Flood and Coastal Committee is asked to: 1. Note the content of this report.

1.0 Flood Summary Report

1.1 Late June 2019

Following a very unsettled beginning and middle of the month, the last week in June was fairly settled with just the occasional thundery shower. 258% of the LTA rainfall fell in the month of June.

1.2 July 2019

July began with high pressure situated over the south and west of the country which brought dry weather to the majority of the country. The middle of the month became unsettled with frontal bands of rain passing over the country from the west. From the 22nd onwards hot sunny weather extended to most of the country with the period from the 22nd to the 26th bringing record breaking temperatures to parts of the country, albeit with some thunderstorms. 100% of the LTA rainfall for the Severn Basin fell in July.

1.3 August 2019

The start of August arrived with a weak ridge high pressure, which brought a mixture of warm weather and rain. A sunnier spell followed from around the 21st which carried on through the bank holiday period, setting new records for the late August Bank Holiday in some parts of the country. 120% of the LTA rainfall was recorded in August for the Severn Basin.

1.4 September 2019

September started with dry weather with mainly settled conditions. This continued and the time between the 19th and 24th saw particularly high temperatures. The last week of September saw far more unsettled weather move across the Midlands with some minor flooding reported in SHWG at the end of the month and into October. 132% of the Severn Basins LTA rainfall fell in September.

91

2.0 Flood Alerts and Warnings Issued

15 Flood Alerts were issued in the Severn RFCC area in this period. 2 Flood Warnings have been issued (this does not include the most recent flood event, as these statistics are still being collated).

3.0 Severn and Wye RFCC Community Engagement Return – September 2019

Gloucestershire Gloucester Police Open Day In September we attended the Police Open Day in Gloucester, which was attended by nearly 12,000 people in amazing weather. We worked with More Than Minutes, who captured images of people making their environmental pledges, a really fun activity which was very well received.

We used the opportunity to raise awareness of our work, and also promote the idea of community Climate Champions – helping us raise awareness of the increasing importance of being resilient to flooding and other climate and weather impacts.

Herefordshire Leominster

We held a public drop in event in June around a proposal to upgrade the existing Flood Scheme on the River Lugg to the North of Leominster. The proposed work will increase the existing embankment levels with a combination of retaining walls and embankments in the Marsh area of the town. This will reduce the risk of flooding to 251 properties in Leominster. This allowed us to welcome the input from residents on the proposals so far, before we submitted the planning application.

92

Shropshire Much Wenlock

We held a drop in, working with the National Flood Forum, to raise awareness about flash flood risk in the Much Wenlock area in July – this was very well attended and almost everyone signed up for more information, and to get involved with local resilience. With a changing climate the risk will become greater, so we encouraged everyone to become a Climate Change Champion, and do their bit for resilience and environmental improvement.

Warwickshire Alcester

We are investigating potential for a scheme to reduce flood risk in Alcester, so we held a drop in in July to consult the community and get their local information at this very early stage so they can be involved throughout. There was interest in starting a local flood resilience group, so we will support them with this. We will be attending some meetings and contributing to the Alcester Town Council Newsletter to keep everyone informed.

We are also working on a partnership scheme with Warwickshire Wildlife trust and Coventry City Council to further reduce flood risk in the Upper Sherbourne River (upstream from Allesley) area.

We will be holding a Community Information Event in November, and as we had over 100 attendees at the last one in February we are hoping for similar levels of interest.

We continue to work with communities including Long Compton, , Grendon, Marlcliff, , Welford, and Walton, to promote and develop flood resilience, including locally developed natural flood management, working with Warwickshire County Council, the National Flood Forum, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Severn Trent Water.

93

Worcestershire Bewdley

We were pleased to be a part of the Environment Agency Women in Operations conference, which was held in Bewdley, showcasing some of the work women do in operational roles across the West Midlands, and allowing us to show off the Bewdley demountable defences.

There was a lot of positive public attention and we were able to also raise awareness around flood resilience, while showing off our great work to national colleagues.

94

Upton In August we worked with More Than Minutes to redecorate the Flood Defence Scheme at Upton, and also raise local awareness around flood resilience and the potential impacts of climate change, encouraging local positive action. This has been very well received, and helps our awareness raising work around community Flood Resilience and Climate Champions.

95

Charlton Kings

We held a public drop in event in August to raise awareness of local flash flood risk, especially with the changing climate elevating the risk. This was well received, with local people signing up to receive more information on how to become more flood resilient. We were also please to work with partners including Worcestershire County Council, Fire and Rescue Service, and the National Flood Forum at the event, plus another local flood resilience group attended to share their experience.

Wickhamford and Badsey

We are working with Worcestershire County Council to offer PFR measures for properties in high flood risk areas. We have carried out investigations into the levels of flood risk in the Badsey and Wickhamford area with a public information drop in at the end of September.

Other work

We continue to work across the area to reduce flood risk.

96

Worcester

In early October we will hold an awareness event around local flood resilience.

Other engagement

We attended the Emergency Services Show in Birmingham, where we exhibited how we deal with pollution incidents, our monitoring technology, what we do about invasive species, and our specialist equipment and vehicles that we use for incident response. This was very received and we were kept very busy through the show.

4.0 Recommendation

4.1 The Committee is asked to note the content of this report.

Daniel Williamson Evidence & Risk Officer Solihull Centre September 2019

WMD (SHWG) Area = West Midlands (Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire) WMD (SWWM) Area = West Midlands (Staffordshire, Warwickshire and West Midlands) EMD Area = East Midlands

97

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ABI Association of British Insurers ADA Association of Drainage Authorities AEP Annual Exceedance Probability AFRCM Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager AIMS Asset Information Management System AMP Asset Management Plan ASISWE Areas Susceptible to Surface Water Flooding AOD Above Ordnance Datum AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AP Asset Performance BAP Biodiversity Action Plan BEE Best Estimate of Expenditure BCR Benefit Cost Ratio CAMC Creating Asset Management Capacity C@R Communities at Risk CDM Construction & Design Management Regulations CFMP Catchment Flood Management Plan CIL Community Infrastructure Levy CIWEM Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management CLG Government Department for Communities & Local Government CLA Country Land and Business Association CSR Comprehensive Spending Review DCLG Department for Communities and Local Government DEFRA Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs DG5 REGISTER Register of properties which have experienced sewer flooding or those which are ‘at risk’ of sewer flooding more frequently than 1:20yr event DOI Declaration of Interest EA Environment Agency EFRA Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Eel Management Plan FAS Flood Alleviation Scheme FBC Full Business Case FCERM Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management FCRM GiA Flood & Coastal Risk Management Grant in Aid

98

Fluvial Flooding Flooding resulting from water levels exceeding the bank level of a main river FMfSW Flood Map for Surface Water FRA Flood Risk Assessment FRMP Flood Risk Management Plan FRMS Flood Risk Management Systems FRR Flood Risk Regulations FSoD Financial Scheme of Delegation FWD Flood Warnings Direct FWMA Flood & Water Management Act GiA Grant in Aid IBA Indicative Baseline Allocation IDB Internal Drainage Board ITA Indicative Tailored Allocation IUA Indicative Unscheduled Allocation IUB Integrated Urban Drainage KPI Key Performance Indicator LA Local Authority LDF Local Development Framework LEP Local Enterprise Partnership LFRZ Local Flood Risk Zone LFRMS Local Flood Risk Management Strategy LFRP’s Local Flood Risk Partnerships LLFA Lead Local Flood Authority LPA Local Planning Authority LPRG Large Project Review Group LRF Local Resilience Forum LTIS Long Term Investment Strategy MAOD Metres Above Ordnance Datum MEICA Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation MLE Most Likely Expenditure MTP Medium Term Plan NAO National Audit Office NaFRA National Flood Risk Assessment NCPMS National Capital Programme Management Service NFU National Farmers Union NFRMS National Flood Risk Management Strategy NGSA Next Generation Supplier Agreement NPPF National Planning Policy Framework NRD National Receptor Dataset – a collection of risk receptors produced by the EA 99

NRW National Resources Wales OBC Outline Business Case OM Outcome Measure PA Policy Area PAB Project Assurance Board PAG Programme of Acceleration & Growth PF Partnership Funding PFRA Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment PLP Property Level Protection PSO Partnerships and Strategic Overview RBMP River Basin Management Plan RFCC Regional Flood & Coastal Committee RMA Risk Management Authority RPIA Revenue Projects Indicative Allocation SAB SuDS Approval Body SAC Special Area of Conservation SAMP System Asset Management Plan SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SFRA Strategic Flood Risk Assessment SHW&G Area Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Gloucestershire Area SLA Service Level Agreement SMP Shoreline Management Plan SOC Strategic Outline Case SoP Standard of Protection (NB: Water Utilities – standard of service) SPA Special Protection Area SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest STW Severn Trent Water SuDS Sustainable Drainage System SWMP Surface Water Management Plan SW&WM Area Staffordshire, Warwickshire & West Midlands Area WaSC Water and Sewage Company WEM Water and Environmental Management WFD Water Framework Directive WLMP Water Level Management Plan

100

OUTCOME MEASURE DEFINITIONS

2019-20

The ratio of the whole life present value benefits (Pvb) to the whole life present OM1 value costs (PVc) from projects in the FDGiA capital investment programme. Number of households moved out of any flood probability category to a lower OM2 probability category. The number of households moved from the very significant or significant OM2b probability category to the moderate or low probability category. The number of households in the 20% most deprived areas moved out of the OM2c significant or very significant probability categories to the moderate or low probability category.

OM3 The number of households with reduced risk of coastal erosion.

The number of households protected against loss in 20 years from coastal OM3b erosion. The number of households in the 20% most deprived areas protected against OM3c loss in 20 years from coastal erosion. Hectares of water dependent habitat created or improved to help meet the OM4a objectives of the Water Framework Directive. Hectares of intertidal habitat created to help meet the objectives of the Water OM4b Framework Directive for areas protected under the EU Habitats/Birds Directive. Kilometres of rivers protected under the EU Habitats/Birds Directive improved OM4c to help meet the objectives of the Water Framework Directive.

OM4d Kilometres of WFD water body enhanced through FCRM.

Kilometres of water body opened up to fish and/or eel passage through OM4e

FCRM.

OM4f Kilometres of river habitat (including SSSI) enhanced through FCRM.

OM4g Hectares of habitat (including SSSI) enhanced through FCRM.

OM4h Hectares of habitat created through FCRM.

The proportion of households and businesses at risk of flooding within flood OM5

warning areas that receive a direct warning. Proportion of residential units within planning decisions where the application OM6 has been refused or has been amended in line with Agency advice (where

the Agency is informed of the planning outcome).

101

Members are reminded of the RFCC purposes and the expectations of RFCCs based on the statutory functions in the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the RFCC Regulations 2011

RFCC Purposes

The RFCC brings together members appointed by Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) and independent members with relevant experience to:

• Ensure there are coherent plans for identifying, communicating and managing flood and coastal erosion risks across catchments and shorelines;

• Promote efficient, targeted and risk-based investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management that optimises value for money and benefits for local communities;

• Provide a link between the Environment Agency, LLFAs, other risk management authorities and other relevant bodies to engender mutual understanding of flood and coastal erosion risks in its area.

Statutory Functions and the Role of the RFCC

Section 23 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 requires the Environment Agency to:

• Consult with each RFCC about the way it proposes to carry out its flood and coastal erosion risk management functions in the Committee’s region [S23(1)(a)];

• Take into account representations made by the Committee about the exercise of its flood and coastal erosion risk management functions in the Committee’s region[S23(1)(b)];

• Obtain the consent of the RFCC before implementing its regional programme for the Committee’s region [S23(2)];

• Obtain the consent of the RFCC before it can issue a levy under Section 17 of the Act [S23(3)];

• Obtain the consent of the RFCC to the spending of revenue under Section 118 of the Water Resources Act 1991 in the region where the revenue is raised [S23(4)].

Expectations of RFCCs

Defra advises that the RFCC will be expected to “engage constructively with, and offer advice to, the Agency, having developed its own view as to the flood and coastal erosion risk management needs within its region informed by local knowledge, contacts with other risk management authorities and engagement with risk management planning.”

Holding Office

The RFCC Regulations 2011 state that a member may be removed from office if the member has been absent from meetings of the Committee for a period of 6 consecutive months without the approval of the Committee. [S19 (3)(d).]

102

Would you like to find out more about us or about your environment?

Then call us on or email us from below

Telephone: 03708 506 506

Minicom: 03702 422 549 (for the hard of hearing) (Monday to Friday – 08:00hrs-18:00hrs)

Environment incident hotline number:

Telephone: 0800 80 70 60 (24 Hours Service)

Floodline numbers:

Telephone: 0345 988 1188 (24 hour service)

Type talk: 0345 602 6340 (for the hard of hearing) (Find out about call charges at: www.gov.uk/call-charges)

Email: [email protected]

Environment first: Are you viewing this on screen? Please consider the environment and only if absolutely necessary. If you are readying a paper copy, please don’t forget to reuse and recycle if possible.

103