Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Board decisions 16 September 2022
A summary of what happened at the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Board meeting on 16 September 2022. Not every item on the agenda is covered. Only items that required decisions to be taken are featured below.
Item 3: Minutes of the meeting on 22 July 2022
It was agreed that the minutes of the SRA Board meeting held on 22 July 2022 should be signed as accurate.
Item 5: SRA Strategy and Action Plan
As recommended:
1. The SRA Board commented upon and approved the draft strategic drivers.
2. The Board commented upon and approved the draft strategic objectives.
3. The Board noted the proposed approach to developing the workstreams and action plan.
4. The Board also approved an extension to the project completion date from March 2023 to June 2023.
Item 7: SRA Finance Report, Quarter 1 2022-23 Finance Update
As recommended:
1. The SRA Board noted the financial performance as at the end of Quarter One of 2022-23.
2. The Board approved the re-allocation of funding to contingency as per Part Two of the report.
Item 8: Funding requests
8a Rode Flood Management Project & Beckington Drainage Works
As recommended:
1. The SRA Board approved the allocation of a £248,326.86 increase in to Rode Flood Management Project (LAMDC06) and Beckington Drainage Works (LAMDC07).
2. The Board approved the pausing of FWMDCLM01-23 Hills to Levels project (2022-23 SRA Enhanced Programme – £260,000 grant approved) to allow its funding to be used to cover the shortfall in the preceding resolution.
3. The Board agreed to refund £260,000 to FWMDCLM01-23 Hills to Levels project from the 2023-24 precept.
8b Parrett Internal Drainage Board maintenance dredging (water injection dredging)
As recommended:
1. The SRA Board approved a top-up finding request of £137,000 to enable the continuation of Parrett and Tone Maintenance Dredging in winter 2022-23.
2. The Board endorsed deferring East Brent Asset Improvement project funding until replacement funding is approved.
Item 9: Key Project Update – River Sowy-King’s Sedgemoor Drain Enhancements Scheme
As recommended, the SRA Board noted the progress made since the last SRA Board meeting towards the completion of Phase 1 of the River Sowy-King’s Sedgemoor Drain Enhancement Scheme.
Item 10: Local Government Reorganisation
As recommended:
1. The SRA Board noted the process required to confirm Somerset Council as the hosting authority for Somerset River Authority.
2. The Board provided initial feedback on possible revisions to SRA governance and the SRA Memorandum of Understanding and Constitution.