Agenda item

To consider a report, which includes a confidential appendix, by the Corporate Director Modernisation and Wellbeing (copy enclosed) updating the committee on progress with recovery from the November 2012 floods and seeking members’ views on the findings of an initial debrief report on this first phase of the recovery process.

10.30 a.m.

The Corporate Director Modernising and Wellbeing (CDMW) presented a report (previously circulated) updating the committee on progress with recovery from the November 2012 floods and sought members’ views on the findings of an initial debrief report on this first phase of the recovery process.

An overview of the work undertaken to support communities affected by the floods was provided including the work of the Corporate Recovery Group and sub groups to ensure continued support.  A structure for managing recovery and an update on those groups’ activities had been attached to the report.  Voluntary organisations had also secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund to be used to maintain a range of welfare services to the flooded communities.

The Recovery Phase 1 debrief report (attached as a confidential appendix to the main report) covered the period immediately following the floods up to the end of December 2012.  The CDMW referred to the debrief process and elaborated upon the findings and reasoning behind each of the six main recommendations arising from the report which covered the following elements –

• R1 – Procedural Guidance
• R2 – Learning and Development
• R3 – Establishment of Hubs
• R4 – Contact Lists
• R5 – Information Management
• R6 – Communications

The committee paid tribute to the work carried out by staff in responding to the flooding incidents both during and after the event and asked that their appreciation be conveyed to all those involved.  Members also commended the approach in evaluating the recovery work undertaken in order that lessons were learnt and procedures drawn up for future major incidents.  During the ensuing debate the CDMW responded to members’ questions and comments as follows –

• acknowledged the delay in responding to some flooding incidents due to the initial lack of information received which would be addressed in future through improvements to information management systems
• confirmed that procedures for dealing with various aspects of the recovery phase would be developed in order to work across different types of settings
• reported upon the development of clear evacuation systems in terms of sheltered housing accommodation situated in flood risk areas
• elaborated upon the difficulties of sharing information between agencies in order to track those receiving help/advice
• agreed with the need to increase capacity of the Customer Relationship Management System (CRM) during such incidents and look into the possibility of contingency cover for CRM calls in extremely busy periods caused by unforeseen emergencies.

Members also discussed with the CDMW how the Council would respond to major incidents/emergencies in large rural areas.  Councillors Merfyn Parry and Alice Jones referred to the recent snow which had affected the farming community in particular.  They highlighted the isolation of some of those affected and both the emotional and financial impact which continued to be experienced.  Consequently the committee asked whether similar support could be offered to those affected by snow in terms of addressing emotional wellbeing and financial needs through the targeted provision of information and advice; drop in sessions; community meeting together with specific support for agricultural businesses affected and their activities.

RESOLVED that –

(a)       the progress report on recovery from the November 2012 floods be received and noted;

(b)       the CDMW be asked to explore the possibilities of contingency cover for CRM calls in extremely busy periods caused by unforeseen emergencies, and

(c)       the CDMW be asked to consider the provision of emotional and business support to those residents in rural areas who had been affected by the recent snow.

[SE to progress recommendations (b) and (c)]