Agenda item

The Chair welcomed to the meeting Rachel Crompton, Principal Flood Risk Officer; Marcus Leigh, Highways Service Manager (Infrastructure); and John Davies, Head of Service Highways.

The External Scrutiny Committee was presented with a progress report on the implementation of agreed actions following the recommendations of the Strengthening Flood Risk Management and Preparedness Task and Finish Group.

A number of comments and issues were raised by members and the following points were noted:

• Members were reassured that progress had been made over the last six months regarding the recommendations from the External Scrutiny Committee. Interviews would be taking place for a new post within the Flood Risk Management team dealing with data analysis and communication.
• Progress had also been made with key partners including Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council, on updating the Flood Risk Management Strategy for the wider Lancashire geographical area. The latest version was due to be released for consultation.

·  The Flood Risk Management Team was overwhelmed at times with the number of requests for advice from local planning authorities. The team was currently reviewing available resources.

·  On the matter of SuDs Schemes it was reported that the Flood Risk Management Team could only respond to what was offered by the developer. The county council had worked with United Utilities on producing a standard approach to evaluating SuDs proposals from developers regarding design, construction and maintenance.

·  It was pointed out to the committee that United Utilities were not in a position to object to planning applications as they were not statutory consultees. The county council regularly engaged with United Utilities to see if they had any concerns or comments they would like the local authority to make on their behalf.  

·  It was noted that United Utilities had attended a meeting of the External Scrutiny Committee in April 2018 and this had been a successful meeting. It was suggested that representatives from United Utilities should attend a meeting of the committee once a year.

·  It was noted that there had been a welcome increase in communication between Flood Action Groups and Lancashire County Council in terms of weather alerts. It was felt that Flood Action Groups should have the opportunity to engage with other partners especially the Making Space for Water Groups.

·  It was felt that the management of water was fragmented and that a different approach was needed.

Resolved: That regular updates on progress be presented to the External Scrutiny Committee, subject to any restrictions made by Covid19 and local elections