To receive the above verbal update.

Ben Crampin (Flood Risk Manager, RBWM) introduced the report.

• In terms of projects with RBWM, some works were completed on the Wraysbury drain, which saw a small increase in flow on the drain.
• Ben Crampin mentioned he was reviewing the legal position statement to gain a better understanding of whether RBWM or landowners held responsibilities before starting works or enforcement around Feathers Lane and other locations.
• Surveys of the Datchet barrel arch took place with works expected to start in the following week; however, there was a possibility of slight delays due to traffic management permits. These works are set to start in the evening of 9^th May for 3 nights.
• Ben Crampin stated that requests for quotes were put out for modelling work for the Datchet flap valve to get a better understanding of costs. While one quote was received, one or two quotes were requested before looking at the next steps.
• A review of how RBWM was carrying out its duties as a Lead Local Flood Authority took place. This review had identified where the borough was undertaking its duties well but had also identified areas for improvement, such as an Asset Register. Ben Crampin said he would be looking to implement changes to improve these processes moving forward.
• Ben Crampin said there was a request for information on who was responsible for what within the Borough in terms of water courses. He drafted a factsheet with this information. Once completed, it would be made available to the panel.

Councillor Larcombe asked if Ben Crampin was visiting Wraysbury at the start of May 2022. Ben Crampin confirmed this.

Councillor Larcombe asked Ben Crampin for assurance that public money was not being used to maintain ordinary water courses, which had been either deliberately blocked, or the landowner deliberately made it difficult for people to get in or had received enhancements in respect of the work that had been done where RBWM is not the responsible party for that work. Ben Crampin assured him by stating he had plenty of experience in the enforcement process and legislation from when he worked as the project lead for investigations and enforcement at Surrey County Council.

The Chair asked Ben Crampin to cite Datchet Parish Council as the Datchet Barrell Arch was on Parish Council land.

Joseph Hitchman (Project Centre representative) then gave an update.

• Since the last meeting in January 2022, Project Centre provided comments on 26 major planning applications across the Borough.
• Project Centre drafted a technical note on the flood risk situation on Stud Green and set out recommendations to follow up on.
• A site visit was undertaken with Thames Water and the EA (Environment Agency) at Waltham St Laurence to undertake a coordinated effort to address the impact of flooding from ordinary water courses, main rivers and public sewers.
• Project Centre had been consulted on two ordinary water course consent applications which were being worked on.
• In terms of the schemes in the current financial year using flood risk grant-in-aid funding, earmarked funding was provided by EA to undertake study of surface water flood risk in the south of the Borough, namely the area between Stud Green and Oakley Green. The objective of the study was to better understand of the flood risk with a view to identify fundable mitigation measures to reduce risk in the next two years.
• Project Centre were also applying for funding to begin works on an attenuation basin in Maidenhead to address surface water flood risk. 90% of the funding was eligible through the flood risk grand-in-aid, while the remaining 10% was to be funded through the Thames Water surface water management plan.