Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Board decisions 10 December 2021

A summary of what happened at the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Board meeting on 10 December 2021. Not every item on the agenda is covered. Only items that required decisions to be taken are featured below.

Item 1: Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Cllr David Hall (Somerset County Council) was re-elected as Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority, Tony Bradford (Parrett Internal Drainage Board) was re-elected as Vice-Chair.

Item 4: Minutes of the SRA Board meeting on 10 December 2021

The minutes were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

Item 6: Quarter Two 2021-22 SRA Finance Report

As recommended, the SRA Board:

1. Noted the financial performance as at the end of Quarter One of 2021-22.
2. Approved the re-allocation of funds to contingency as per Part Two.

Item 7: 2022-23 SRA Enhanced Programme

As recommended, the SRA Board:

1. Provisionally approved the proposed 2022-23 SRA Enhanced Programme and budget, subject to final approval after funding is confirmed in February 2022.
2. Approved making use of the £0.336m not required for contingency by requesting further project proposals for approval by the Board at the March 2022 Board meeting.

Item 8: Key Project Updates

Item 8a. River Sowy-King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD) Enhancements Scheme

As recommended, the SRA Board noted that:

1. The works contract to enhance the Sowy-KSD channel is well underway.
2. The remaining funding allocation from the Local Enterprise Partnership has been spent.
3. Progress on site has been impacted by the scarcity of plant drivers and weather.
4. The works have been re-programmed. Minor works will continue during the winter, but bank-raising will be completed during August to October 2022.

Item 8b. Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation Improvements Scheme

As recommended, the SRA Board:

1. Noted and acknowledged the changes to the programme, specifically the timeframe of the detailed design, consents and permission, for the three initial short-term measures of the Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation Improvements Scheme (TSFAIS).

Item 8c. Mitigation Action Plan

As recommended, the SRA Board:

1. Noted the updated position with the Mitigation Action Plan (MAP) project.
2. Acknowledged further mitigation actions will be required to fully deliver the MAP.
3. Noted the risks associated with non-delivery of the “full” MAP.

Item 9: River Brue

As recommended, the SRA Board:

1. Noted the latest position in relation to progressing the aspiration to undertake dredging on the River Brue.
2. Approved the recommended actions in relation to agreeing desired outcomes for the River Brue and updating of the River Brue model.

Item 11: 2022-23 Administration

Item 11a. Calendar of Meetings

As recommended, the SRA Board:

1. Approved the proposed meeting dates for the financial year 2022-23.

Item 11b. Local Memorandum of Understanding and Constitution

As recommended, the SRA Board:

1. Reviewed changes in preparation for signing at the March 2022 SRA Board meeting.

Item 12: Any Other Business

Following a suggestion made by David Jenkins (Wessex Regional Flood & Coastal Committee), the Board agreed that the SRA should respond to a Call for Evidence for a Surface Water Flooding Study being undertaken by the National Infrastructure Commission.