Content

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.