Purpose

To request approval from the Environment Corporate Director, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, to apply for funding from the Environment Agency Grant in Aid and Flood and Coastal Committee Local Levy fund to support the delivery of Property Flood Resilience to 130 properties in Harrogate and Knaresborough:
•To submit an application for £824,200 of the available Environment Agency Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding to enable scheme development through 2028/29 and grant approval of the funding application.
•To submit an application for £650,000 of the available Flood and Coastal Committee Local Levy and grant approval of the funding application.

Decision

Agreed that the following applications for grant funding are submitted to: (i) the Environment Agency Grant in Aid fund for funding of £824,200 and (ii) the Flood and Coastal Committee Levy for funding of £650,000.

Reasons for the decision

Subject to a business case, properties at risk of flooding are eligible for Grant in Aid and Local levy funding to improve their flood resilience. Property Flood Resilience (PFR) is offered to all eligible residents who meet the criteria, which have either been identified through a previous section 19 flood investigation report or previously reported flooding, within the Environment Agency guidelines. The implementation of PFR will offer peace of mind to residents that in adverse weather conditions their properties and themselves are better protected.
It is therefore considered appropriate to continue with the funding bids as intended, with regular relevant liaison through the engagement channels established as part of the scheme.

Alternative options considered

The proposed option seeks to maximise NYC’s eligibility for funding ensuring we deliver the highest standard or protection and quality workmanship. Due to the complexities of the drainage in Harrogate and Knaresborough, and the cost to upgrade the existing network and its maintenance Property Flood Resilience is the preferred option.