Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Board decisions 12 September 2025
A summary of what happened at the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) Board meeting on 12 September 2025. Not every item on the agenda is covered. Only items that required decisions to be taken are featured below.
Item 4: Chair’s Update – Motion in relation to reduction in Main River Maintenance
The SRA Board called on the Environment Agency to reverse its recent letters to landowners announcing the withdrawal of Environment Agency maintenance of watercourses, particularly main rivers, in Somerset and requests reinstatement of full maintenance. The reinstatement of maintenance to remain until:
- They have completed a formal impact assessment
- Statutory consultation obligations are fulfilled
- A joint working group with the Internal Drainage Boards has agreed a sustainable forward plan.
Item 3: Minutes of previous meeting 6 June 2025
It was agreed that the minutes of the SRA Board meeting on 6 June 2025 should be signed as accurate
Item 6: SRA Finance Report
Item 6a: Quarter 1 2025-26 Finance Report
As recommended, the Board noted the financial performance as at the end of Quarter 1 of 2025-26.
The Board also approved the re-allocation of funds to and from contingency as per Part Two of the report.
Item 6b: Quarter 1 2025-26 Enhanced Programme Performance Monitoring
As recommended, the Board noted the overall delivery status of the schemes and activities within the current SRA Enhanced Programme for Quarter 1 2025-26.
Item 7: Community Flood Action Fund (CFAF) Update
As recommended, the Board noted the update on applications submitted to the Community Flood Action Fund.
The Board also considered whether the Community Flood Action Fund should close for the year once the initial £200,000 funding allocation had been allocated.
The Board approved the top up funding of £80,000 to allow a fourth round of Community Flood Action Fund applications during 2025-26
Item 8: River Brue Modelling update
As recommended, the Board reviewed and commented on modelling outputs, progress and next steps.
Item 9a: River Sowy – King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD) Enhancements Scheme
As recommended, the Board noted the substantial completion of the King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD) outfalls – Back Ditch and Chedzoy Tilting Weir.
Item 10: SRA Partnership Team
As recommended, the Board approved converting SRA Community Engagement Officer Roles from fixed term contract roles to permanent contracts.
Item 11: Top up funding
As recommended, the Board approved an uplift in the grant allocation for this project in the 2025-26 financial year from £650,000 to £775,000
The Board also indicated their willingness in principle to continue funding Water Injection Dredging (WID) work on the River Parrett for the duration of a new 5 year contract.