Decision

1. Notes the mid term update and progress against the six recommendations made through the Flood Risk Management Scrutiny Review.
2. Provides approval for the service to explore funding opportunities for further improvements to achieve optimum results (details in section 3.6)
3. Notes that the final Flood & Risk Management Action Plan report will return to the Coucil’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee later in the year

Reasons for the decision

The flood risk management report was presented to Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) on 28th January 2025. The report makes six recommendations to optimise the approach to flood risk management for the borough of Tower Hamlets. The recommendations are based on engagement with the service, site visits, and discussion with an expert witness.

This report responds and provides an update on the six recommendations made through the Flood Risk Management Scrutiny Review. We have reviewed each of the recommendations and have provided a mid-term update review.

It is recommended that the Mayor and Overview and Scrutiny Committee agree on the recommendations to mitigate the risk of repeat flooding in Tower Hamlets is fulfilling and exceeding LBTH’s role as the Lead Local Flood Authority. While flood risk management in Tower Hamlets is already strong, the scrutiny review made six targeted recommendations to strengthen our response. 

Alternative options considered

Not agreeing to the recommendations may leave the borough at risk of flooding incidents. The recommendations exceed our statutory duties and as such the Overview and Scrutiny Committee could choose to agree only those recommendations which relate to the statutory duties of Tower Hamlets as a Lead Local Flood Authority.