Issue - meetings

The Chairman gave a verbal update to all Members of the Board on what had been discussed at the last meeting of the Joint Countywide Flooding Task Group.  It was explained that the meeting had concentrated on communication.

The Board was informed that there had been a presentation from the Chief Executive from the National Flood Forum who had explained that the Government were looking at giving grants to flood victims to enable them to purchase products to safeguard their homes.  It was stated that flood resistant houses were to be built and that following the Pitt Review, in the near future planning approval would be required to tarmac drives.  The use of the Human Rights Act was mentioned and it was stated that there would be one telephone number for the public to call in the local area to find out more information when flooding occurred.

The Chairman stated that representatives from the media were in attendance and discussions had included how the media could more responsibly give out flood messages received from individuals and how important websites were during any emergencies in providing information to the public.

The Board then discussed problems with drains, the Land Drainage 1991 Act, riparian responsibilities and building insurance.  It was stated that representatives from all agencies, including members of the public present at the Joint Countywide Flooding Task Group Meeting, had agreed that flooding was likely to occur more frequently in future and that it was a major issue.

RESOLVED:

(a)    that a copy of the Pitt Review be circulated to all Members of the Board;

(b)    that the Scrutiny Steering Board Chairman circulate the minutes of the last Countywide Joint Flooding Scrutiny Meeting to Board Members; and

(c)     that the verbal update from the Chairman be noted.