Purpose

This report seeks
authority for the Council to conclude an agreement (‘the
Agreement’) with the Environment Agency (‘EA’)
which will give the Council the necessary statutory authority to
progress the Sheaf/Porter catchment flood alleviation scheme
(‘the Scheme’).
As the rivers Sheaf and Porter are categorised
as ‘Main Rivers’, the statutory powers to carry out
works on these rivers in relation to flood risk management lie with
the EA, not the Council. However, the EA has given approval for the
Council to implement a flood alleviation scheme on the Sheaf/Porter
catchment. Indeed it is contributing funding for the Scheme. As it
is the Council who are implementing the Scheme, they require the
same statutory powers (in relation to the Scheme) as the EA.
Accordingly the EA has agreed to enter into the Agreement to confer
certain necessary statutory authorisations on the Council and to
make certain other arrangements relating to the Scheme.

Content

To conclude an agreement with the Environment
Agency which will give the Council the necessary statutory
authority to progress the Sheaf/Porter catchment flood alleviation
scheme.

Reasons for the decision

In order that the Council may deliver the
Scheme in the most efficient and timely manner and hence improve
the standard of flood protection in the Sheaf/Porter catchment
within Sheffield.

Alternative options considered

If the Council were not to enter into the
Agreement it risks being unable to deliver the Scheme in the most
efficient and timely manner and indeed risks being unable to
deliver the Scheme at all. In so doing, it risks being exposed to
increased and unnecessary costs and indeed risks being accused of
not using best endeavours to address risks to public safety.