To consider the above report

Members considered a recommendation from the Cabinet Regeneration Sub Committee, that had met earlier the same day, in relation to a future funding commitment to assist in delivering the River Thames Scheme. 

Councillor Dudley explained that there was a significant gap in funding for the scheme. The estimated cost was £476m compared to identified funding of £248m. The 2014 floods in the borough had caused significant disruption to residents. The River Thames Scheme was intended to protect 15,000 properties, 2,300 of whom lived in the borough. It would be a significant piece of national infrastructure to protect infrastructure assets in the southeast of England. The Environment Agency (EA) had advised that if 2cm more rain had fallen during the floods in 2014 the M25 would have been closed and Heathrow would have been significantly affected. 

At the next meeting, the Treasury would be deciding if the scheme would proceed or not. Councillor Dudley wanted to ensure that the Royal Borough did all that it could to ensure the scheme proceeded. The proposals in the report included a flood levy on a household basis to help with the capital expenditure and operating expenses, which were not covered by the EA’s budget. This would be in the region of £7.50 per household.

Councillor Da Costa asked how many residents would benefit and what this represented as a proportion of all boroughs affected.

Councillor Dudley confirmed that 2,300 properties would be protected therefore he estimated this to be 5,000 residents out of a total borough population of 145,000. The council was in a strong financial position because the Borough Local Plan was being taken forward and the regeneration programme was progressing. He hoped other authorities would step up, in the interests of partnership.

Councillor Grey stated that the scheme was a must, particularly for residents of Datchet, Wraysbury and Old Windsor. He welcomed the positive investment for residents. The funding would allow partners to plan and strive for the fruition of the scheme. Over 150 properties and scores of businesses were wiped out in 2014; many had been left empty. In addition, the rail and road links were closed despite the borough distributing more than 100,000 sand bags and manpower. It was so bad the Army and Navy had to be called in.  The borough and its partners needed to make the commitment to unlock and release  other strands of funding.  As the council’s representative on the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee he would sit more comfortably after the commitment had been made.

Councillor Saunders commented that the borough enjoyed the setting of the Thames in many parts, but it was a challenging friend with whom to share the environment.  It brought residents great pleasure and at the same time for many residents it offered a clear and present danger.  The council must demonstrate its clear and meaningful intent to invest in this important measure.  There was much to be done by environmental experts, engineers and central government and the plan would doubtless evolve before it became a deliverable plan.  It was beholden on all elected representatives to make a substantial commitment to the scheme.  The informal feedback from the LGA peer review praised the council’s leadership to commit with innovation and confidence and to see it through.  This was yet another example of the council stepping up to the plate and demonstrating its determination to address resident needs without hesitation.

Councillor Bateson commented that the 2014 floods were some of the worst in the country in terms of both floodwater and sewerage. Everyone had pulled together; volunteers had come forward from all over the place.  Councillor Bicknell highlighted that the 2014 floods had cost £100m to the local economy. Firemen from up to 30 other authorities had provided help. However, prevention was better in the long run.

Councillor Sharma commented that the Thames floodplain was the only undefended floodplain in the country and was located in the regional economic powerhouse of the southeast.  The scheme would keep people’s homes safer and keep transport services running. The Mayor commented that the Thames floodplain was the largest undefended floodplain in Europe.

Councillor Cox commented how impressed he had been with the work by officers during the floods of 2014. However, this would not be necessary in a future event if the funding was found.

Councillor Beer commented that the parish and borough flood forums had been considering the scheme for the last twelve years. The Flood Group was due to meet the following week; he felt it should have been moved forward to enable it to contribute to the debate. The council currently contributed to the ongoing maintenance. To increase the amount to £500,000 was very steep. He felt the council should not have to pay for water coming from a vast area of the Thames catchment area. There was a strong argument that the scheme should be nationally funded in its entirety.

Councillor Rankin highlighted that 2300 properties in Datchet, Old Windsor and Wraysbury were not yet afforded the same protection as parts of Windsor and Maidenhead. He was delighted that the borough was stepping up to show it would do everything it could to ensure the scheme became a reality. Adam Afriye, MP, had shown a keen interest in the scheme.

It was proposed by Councillor Dudley, seconded by Councillor Rankin and:

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That:

i)    £10m, split over four years, is added to the capital programme commencing 2020/21 (subject to delivery of the full scheme).

ii)    There is an agreement in principle of paying a flood levy of up to £500,000 per annum to the Environment Agency as a contribution to the operating and maintenance costs (subject to new legislation being enacted to make provision for this)

iii)  A delegation to the Head of Finance in conjunction with the Lead Member for Finance to develop and introduce a flood levy be approved

(Councillors C Rayner and S Rayner left the room for the duration of the discussion and voting on the item )