The Environment, Flooding and Climate Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to receive updates on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, the council's biodiversity report, and its performance in relation to environmental, flooding, and climate change targets. The meeting was also set to include time for questions from members and the public.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS). The strategy, approved by Cabinet in November 2023 and published in February 2024, outlines five principles and five objectives, supported by an action plan with 33 strategic measures. The report was expected to detail ongoing collaboration with various agencies involved in managing flood risk in Leicestershire, including the Environment Agency, Severn Trent, and district councils. Discussions were also anticipated regarding national consultations on planning policy, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and flood funding reform, as well as the council's engagement at a national level with the National Flood Resilience Taskforce. The update was to include recent flood history, detailing the number of properties affected by events such as Storm Henk in January 2024 and county-wide flooding in January 2025. Information was also scheduled to be presented on additional funding and resources allocated for flood mitigation, adaptation measures to protect priority assets, and the progress of formal flood investigations. The committee was to be informed about community initiatives, including the 'Be Flood Ready' campaign, public drop-in sessions, property flood resilience grants, and the role of flood wardens and flood action groups. Furthermore, the report was expected to cover the management of assets, watercourses, and catchments, alongside details of local projects, school initiatives, and the use of the Local Transport Grant for flood alleviation. The update was to conclude with information on understanding flood risk and the council's role as a statutory consultee on surface water for major planning applications, as well as local and national planning policy drivers.

Biodiversity Report

The committee was scheduled to review a draft Biodiversity Report, prepared in accordance with the strengthened biodiversity duty introduced by the Environment Act 2021. This duty requires public authorities to consider how they can conserve and enhance biodiversity. The report was to outline the legal and strategic context, including the amended Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, the Environment Act 2021, and the Environmental Improvement Plan 2025. It was also to detail the council's existing strategies and policies that contribute to biodiversity conservation, such as the Environment Strategy 2018-2030, the Action for Nature document, and the Biodiversity Duty Plan. The report was expected to highlight the interaction between Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in the planning function, as well as regional and local drivers like the Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Growth Plan. Challenges in meeting national nature targets, such as the focus on economic growth and housebuilding, and the reliance on green finance markets, were also to be discussed. The report was to include information on how the council plans to meet its BNG obligations, detailing actions taken and expected outcomes. Resource implications, including the lack of additional government funding for these duties, were also to be addressed.

Environment, Flooding and Climate Change Performance Report to December 2025

This report was scheduled to provide the committee with an update on the performance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to the council's Strategic Plan up to December 2025. The report was to cover a range of indicators, including those where the council has limited control, such as electric vehicle ownership and air quality, as well as internal indicators where the council has more influence. Performance data, direction of travel, targets, RAG ratings, and comparative quartile positions against other English authorities were to be presented. Specific areas of focus were expected to include the progress of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and ownership, the energy efficiency of domestic properties (new and existing), and air quality levels, specifically PM2.5 concentrations. The ecological status and chemical status of Leicestershire's rivers were also to be reported on. The report was to detail progress on tree planting initiatives, with an increased target of one million trees by 2032. Information on the management of council environmental risks, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceedances, and renewable energy generation and capacity was also to be included. The report was to be supported by detailed performance dashboards and long-term trend charts.