Agenda item

To receive a report from the Flood Risk Manager (copy attached), to provide information regarding a report by the Wales Audit Office on the Council’s approach to flood risk management and compliance with the Well-being of Future Generations Wales Act’s sustainable development principle and 5 well-being goals.

10.15 a.m. – 10.45 a.m.

The Lead Member for Waste, Transport and Environment, Councillor Brian Jones, Head of Highways and Environmental Services, Tony Ward, and Flood Risk Engineer, Wayne Hope were all in attendance for the item.

Councillor Brian Jones introduced the report to provide information regarding a report by the Wales Audit Office (WAO) on the Council’s approach to flood risk management and compliance with the Well-being of Future Generations Wales Act’s sustainable development principle and 5 well-being goals.

Within the report the WAO stated that the council was taking promising action to act in accordance with the sustainable development principle when taking steps to reduce the risk of flooding but needed to consider its next steps to further embrace the principles of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) (WFG) Act 2015.

There were concerns within the report that the Council was not demonstrating a prevention approach which created conditions in which problems could arise in the future. 

The national Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy for Wales was currently being revised and was expected to be more aligned to the WFG Act and promote greater use of natural flood risk management methods.

Collaborative working was a key component of the Council’s approach and it had worked closely with partners on the design and delivery of flood defences but the links with the farming community and other landowners could be strengthened.  

Overall it was considered to be a positive report.

The Council’s response and actions were contained within Part Two of the report.

During discussion the following points were raised:

·         The Council had secured grants but focus needed to be on ecology and the flood reduction process of that risk.  The education of young people to raise awareness was taking place.

·         A study was underway to progress work with landowners and the Farmers Union.  There had been issues with land owners and farmers who had stated to local Councillors they were expected to pay for equipment to install flood alleviation schemes.  It was confirmed that there were farming subsidies available which could assist with costs.

·         It was confirmed that areas which posed the greatest risk had been prioritised but that was not to the detriment of other areas. The conclusions were not just for the service but required more indepth discussions on climate change.

·         Flood Wardens and Flood Warnings from main rivers were the responsibility of NRW.  It was confirmed that the Scrutiny Co-ordinator would obtain a list of Flood Wardens and circulate to all members for their information.

During the discussions and in light of concerns raised in relation to the potential impact of climate change on flood risks in the county, it was agreed that the Communities Scrutiny meeting to be held on 22 October 2020 be dedicated to flooding issues as follows:

·         Flood Management Responsibilities in Denbighshire – presenting the conclusions of a joint study on the management practices of the Rhyl Cut and Prestatyn Gutter, adjacent drains and sewers which was already scheduled for the meeting.

·         Flood Risk Management across Denbighshire – discussions with officers and other partner organisations on flood management and mitigation matters across the county with public and private partners and land owners.  This would include engineering projects and land management initiatives to reduce the risk of flooding and combat the effect of climate change.  Information would also be put forward on work the Planning Department were undertaking in relation to flood mitigation as part of the planning process.

RESOLVED –

·         subject to the above observations, to receive the Wales Audit Office’s (WAO) report following its examination of, in the context of the Wellbeing and Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, the Council’s “work to reduce the number of properties at risk of flooding in Denbighshire” and the Council’s response to the suggested opportunities for improvement identified by the WAO; and

·         that the Committee’s October 2020 meeting be set-aside to examine the Council’s own flood risk management and mitigation work and initiatives across the county and those being undertaken in partnership with public and private sector partners.