Purpose

Following completion of the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy outline business case, the council now seeks to develop a detailed funding strategy to address the residual funding requirements for the scheme as outlined in the OBC. The work will be undertaken through the existing Strategic Partnership contract and funded by Bristol City Council flood reserves funding which was delegated to officers by cabinet in January 2024. This decision allows us to proceed with the project prior to development of the Full Business Case and will provide evidence to support the Local Plan examination, which includes some reliance on the delivery of the flood strategy.

Decision

The development of a detailed funding strategy for the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy under the Strategic Partnership Initiative contract is instructed.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - A full open tender was considered but rejected in favour of our existing contract which has access to the necessary skills and experience to undertake the work. Delaying the work until the full business case was also considered but rejected as it would not provide evidence for the Local Plan examination in the necessary timeframe.