Issue - meetings

Report of the Assistant Director – Operational In-House Services

The Committee considered the report of the Assistant Director – Operational In-House Services that presented the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Annual Report 2023/24.

The report indicated that the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 previously required that arrangements be made to review and scrutinise the exercise by the Council as a Lead Local Flood Risk Authority of its flood risk management functions and coastal erosion risk management functions; and that following the cessation of this requirement, the Committee had requested that the annual FCERM review be submitted to it instead to ensure that delivery of flood and coastal erosion risk management was undertaken appropriately and that the Committee's views were considered in the future delivery of the Council’s FCERM function.

The Annual FCERM review, attached as an appendix to the report, covered the 12-month period September 2023-2024 and detailed the following key areas:

·       Information on flooding & erosion incidents experienced over the last year.

·       Work progress relative to our legislative responsibilities as a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), Riparian Owner & Coastal Authority.

·       Work progress relative to our own actions set out in our Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) 2022-2030.

·       Overview of annual finances

The report concluded by seeking any comments on the FCERM review to the Cabinet Member - Health and Wellbeing.

Members of the Committee asked questions/commented on the following issues:

·       concern was expressed at the challenges associated with removing sand from sand dunes along the Blundellsands – Waterloo promenade

·       the different bodies/groups set up to deal with flood risk

·       flood risk mitigation in Maghull

·       making space for water

·       thanks was given to the relevant teams following the Bowles Street, Bootle flooding on 30 September

·       concern was expressed at possible under-reporting of flooding events

·       public consultation with young people and schools

RESOLVED:

That the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Annual Report 2023/24 be noted.