Decision

i)The Corporate Director, Resources in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation agrees to the Council bidding for a grant from the Environment Agency of £594k to undertake flood protection measures in Whitby.
ii) The Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Executive Member for Highways and Transportation agrees to the Council bidding for a grant from the Environment Agency for £300k to update the Whitby Coastal Strategy.
iii) The Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation agrees to the Council bidding for a grant from the Environment Agency for £150k to update the Robin Hoods Bay Coastal Strategy.

Reasons for the decision

The capital schemes, programmes and studies outlined in the report bring a huge value to the Yorkshire Coast and assist North Yorkshire Council to protect its residents against coastal risks. The fact that these works are 100% grant aided by the Environment Agency reduces both the cost and risk to the Council.

Alternative options considered

Not to submit the funding bids is an option. There is no obligation to submit the proposed funding bids. However, up to date information regarding coastal change is required and should the funding bids not be submitted it would result in outdated predictions of coastal change and outdated coastal strategy options. Up to date coastal strategies are a requirement for applications for grant aid to undertake capital works.