The Environment Scrutiny Committee met to discuss flood risk management, the Fens 2100+ Programme, the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Strategy, and the adoption of an updated local enforcement plan. The committee acknowledged the work undertaken on the Fens 2100+ Programme and supported recommendations to the executive regarding the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Strategy and the updated local enforcement plan.

Flood Risk Management Authorities Update

The committee received updates from various flood risk management authorities operating in Lincolnshire. Representatives from the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, the Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board, and Lincolnshire County Council's Flood and Water Team provided information on their recent activities and future plans.

Morgan Ray, Area Flood Risk Manager for Lincolnshire and North Amtonshire Area of the Environmental Agency, gave a presentation on the agency's investment programme, maintenance activities, incident management, and strategic projects like the Humber 2100+. He stated that the investment across all risk management authorities for the current year was around £88 million, and they were forecasting to protect or reduce the risk of flooding to approximately 5,800 properties in the area.

Daniel Wibnall, Chief Executive of the Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board, provided an overview of internal drainage boards (IDBs) in Lincolnshire, their functions, and the challenges they face. He highlighted the rising costs of electricity for pumping stations and the need for a fairer funding mechanism for IDBs. He also raised concerns about the maintenance of the Cliff Beck, an Environment Agency watercourse, and the potential impact of the proposed Lincolnshire Reservoir on the Black Sluice Drainage Board's area.

Chris Miller, Head of Environment at Lincolnshire County Council, updated the committee on the Section 19 flood investigation reports and ongoing work streams to support communities affected by flooding.

Key discussion points included:

• The use of the government's new text message alert system for localised flooding warnings.
• The high cost of grass cutting for maintaining riverbanks and watercourses.
• The effectiveness of dredging as a flood risk management method.
• The impact of caravans and mobile homes on flood risk assessments and emergency planning.
• The funding mechanism for drainage boards and the special levy.
• The role of natural flood management techniques, such as slowing the flow of water.

Fens 2100+ Programme

Amy Shaw, Fens Flood Risk Manager of the Environment Agency, presented an overview of the Fens 2100+ Programme, a partnership initiative focused on addressing flood risk management challenges in the Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire Fens. She explained that the Fens is a man-made landscape below sea level, requiring constant water level management. The programme aims to transform investment in critical flood risk management infrastructure and develop a long-term plan for managing future flood risk in the Fens.

Shaw highlighted the economic value of the Fens, contributing £11.5 billion to the UK economy in 2021, and the importance of the flood risk management assets in sustaining this landscape. She also noted the increasing frequency of flood events in the Fens and the challenges posed by ageing infrastructure, land subsidence, and rising sea levels.

The Fens 2100+ Programme has three main components:

• A case for change, building an evidence base for continued investment in flood risk management assets.
• A decade of action, implementing catchment investment strategies to improve flood resilience.
• Baseline reports, providing an overview of each catchment and the role of current assets.

Shaw requested the committee's continued support for the programme and its objectives.

Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Strategy Funding

Chris Miller, Head of Environment, presented a report on the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Strategy, which addresses the rising risk of coastal inundation due to the deteriorating condition of existing sea defences. The strategy seeks to secure funding for measures to prolong the life of the defences to 2039 and develop a long-term strategy for the coast.

To secure funding, the partners need to present a compelling business case to the government, following treasury rules and a set of linear sequential actions known as gateway reviews¹. The estimated cost for the total business plan is approximately £4.1 million, with the Environment Agency funding a proportion of this. Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council and the Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board will be required to fund the remaining £994,000.

The committee was asked to consider proposals on the funding of the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Strategy prior to a decision by the Executive on 7 October 2025.

Adoption of Updated Local Enforcement Plan

Lisa Hughes, Principal Planning Enforcement Officer, presented a report on the updated Local Enforcement Plan (LEP), which sets out the council's approach to monitoring and enforcing planning regulations. The updated LEP reflects changes in national policy, including time limits for immunity from enforcement action and the introduction of biodiversity net gain² requirements.

The LEP includes four policies:

• LEP1: How the council investigates complaints and takes action.
• LEP2: How the council monitors waste sites.
• LEP3: How the council responds to complainants.
• LEP4: How the council engages with other agencies.

The committee was asked to consider the updated LEP and the Planning Guide to Enforcement prior to a decision by the Executive on 7 October 2025.

Work Programme

Simon Evans, Health Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme, noting a few changes to the timetable. Councillor N M Murray requested an item on endangered species be added to the programme.