Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Decision approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: October 1, 2024

Purpose: The LFRMS is the guiding statutory document that will enable the Council, as Lead Local Flood Authority for Newham, to manage local flood risk from ordinary watercourses. It also sets out plans to work in partnership with other risk management authorities and stakeholders within Newham and over neighbouring borders, to build resilience and mitigations against flooding and the effects climate change will have on the risk of flooding in the future.  

Content: Decision   For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:   i)  The adoption of the latest LFRMS (a copy of which is contained in Appendix 1 to this report), to act as the overarching flood risk management strategy for the Council, to fulfil the statutory LLFA function of the Council.   Alternatives Considered   a)  One option available is ‘do-nothing’, but as a statutory requirement the failure to adopt the LFRMS would not meet the legislative requirements. b)  The ‘do-minimum’ would lead to a widening gap between knowledge, delivery and resource, meaning opportunities to develop and deliver on the Council’s objectives will fall behind schedule. c)  If the Council wishes to provide a resilient, clean future for residents, in terms of flood-risk management and climate change adaptation, as per Newham’s adopted Just Transition Plan, it is imperative that the strategy and the Council’s statutory function is promoted, to ensure measures put in place to be able to deliver raingarden and SuDS projects throughout the borough. d)  Without adoption and an impetus being placed on local flood risk e)  management, Newham opens itself up to enforcement by the Environment Agency and the potential for being sued by a third party for flood damage caused by a failed Newham flood risk asset.