Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Board decisions 20 September 2024
A summary of what happened at the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Board meeting held in Bridgwater on 20 September 2024. Only items about which decisions were taken are featured below.
Item 4: Minutes of previous meeting 14 June 2024
Subject to two amendments requested by the Chair, it was agreed that the minutes of the SRA Board meeting on 14 June 2024 should be signed as accurate.
Item 5: SRA Annual Report
As recommended, the Board reviewed and provided comments on the Somerset Rivers Authority Annual Report 2023-24.
The Board also approved the publication of the Somerset Rivers Authority Annual Report 2023-24.
Item 6: SRA Finance Report
6a. Quarter 1 2024-25 Finance Report
As recommended, the Board noted SRA’s financial performance for Quarter 1 of 2024-25.
The Board approved the re-allocation of funds from contingency as per Part two.
6b. Quarter 1 2024-25 Enhanced Programme Performance Monitoring Report
As recommended, the Board noted the overall delivery status of the schemes and activities within the current Enhanced Programme.
The Board also provided feedback on the first Performance Monitoring Report.
Item 7: Internal Drainage Board (IDB) Updates
7a. Report the outcome of January 2024 upper banks Water Injection Dredging trial and consider approval to repeat in 2025
As recommended, the Board noted the contents of the report and approved the Enhanced Water Injection Dredging for 2024/25 and the use of the previously allocated £250,000 of funding.
7b. Progress update on assessment of works to complete King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD) bank raising and outfalls
As recommended, the Board noted the progress on the Project Completion Plan for the Sowy-KSD bank raising works.
The Board also confirmed allocation of funds to the IDB to the sum of £250,000 to enable appointment of a contractor to deliver the outfall works in March-April 2025.
Item 9: Natural Flood Management Community Advisors
As recommended, the Board approved the top-up funding request for £75,000 for the continued support of the Community Sub-Catchment support project.
Item 10: 2025-26 Programme Update
10a. 2025-26 Enhanced Programme Applications and new Community Flood Action Fund
As recommended, the Board approved the proposed general approach and timescales for launching a Community Flood Action Fund (CFAF)
The Board also approved ring fencing of £200,000 of 2025-26 funds for the CFAF programme.
The Board delegated authority to review and approve CFAF requests up to a maximum of £20,000 to an officer Technical Review Panel.
The Board delegated authority to Management Group to decide who will sit on the Technical Review Panel.
The Board delegated approval of the finer details of the application and approval process for the CFAF to the Management Group.
The Board also requested the SRA Senior Manager to investigate the issue of liability associated with delivery of SRA-funded projects, particularly as it relates to Parish and Town Councils.
10b. Pipeline of ideas update
As recommended, the Board noted progress and next steps on development of Version 1 of an SRA Pipeline of ideas.
11. River Brue Modelling – September 2024 update
The Board noted the report