July Update from the Environment Agency

Last month, we submitted our bid for Local Levy funding to the Trent Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) to support the next stage of the proposed Property Flood Resilience (PFR) scheme. Since then, we have received positive feedback from the Trent RFCC, and we are hopeful that the bid will receive formal approval at their meeting on 15th July.
As mentioned previously, if approved, the Local Levy funding will enable us to undertake property suitability surveys for those residents who have registered an interest in PFR. These surveys will help identify the most appropriate measures for each property and provide the information needed to progress the next stage of the project.

We have also assessed our Natural Flood Management (NFM) proposals using the new DEFRA Grant in Aid funding arrangements. This requires all potential NFM schemes to be assessed using a standard benefits tool, which estimates the flood damages that could be avoided and, in turn, the level of government funding that may be available. Unfortunately, for the types of measures that are likely to be suitable within the Rolleston Brook catchment, the calculated benefits were not sufficient to attract funding through this particular route. However, this does not mean that NFM opportunities have been ruled out – we are continuing to explore alternative funding sources and delivery mechanisms and remain committed to progressing NFM where opportunities arise.

Kind regards, Tom Ellis