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NORTH LEVEL DISTRICT INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD STRATEGY PLAN 2013 January 2013

NORTH LEVEL DISTRICT INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD

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Page 1: NORTH LEVEL DISTRICT INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD

NORTH LEVEL DISTRICT INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD

STRATEGY PLAN 2013

January 2013

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CONTENTS

Page

Introduction 3 Background 3 Strategic overview and objectives 4 Review of current objectives 5 - 6 Delivery of new objectives 7 Strategic objectives 8 Legislative objectives 9 - 10 Operational objectives 11 - 13 Review timetable 14 Appendices: I Response to 2006 IDB review 15 - 16 II Policy Statement 17 - 18 III Profile Raising Campaign 19 - 20 IV Glossary 21 V Financial Plan 22 - 23 VI Five Year Plan 24

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INTRODUCTION This plan sets out the strategic direction of the Board for the 5 year period to 2018. The intention of the plan is to demonstrate to all of the Boards’ stakeholders that the Board is thinking and planning ahead at a time when there is pressure from climate change, new legislation and a difficult financial climate.

BACKGROUND The North Level District Internal Drainage Board is a land drainage authority responsible for the drainage and evacuation of surplus water from 33,000 hectares of land. The Board is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of 613 km of drains in the area and for the maintenance and operation of 12 pumping stations. The majority of the area is pumped into the River Nene and River Welland with only approximately 1,000 hectares draining via gravity into the tidal Nene. The level of flood protection for the Boards drainage network is between 1 in 50 and 1 in 100 year event. Climate change will increase the occurrence and severity of such events and the Board needs to be able to continue to offer the same level of protection from flood risk.

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STRATEGIC OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES

The DEFRA* IDB review in 2006 and the Draft Flood and Water Management Bill in 2009 both raised the awareness of the role of IDBs:

“..to ensure consistency in the delivery of national flood risk management policy and other Government objectives, whilst delivering a local water level management function”

Defra – IDB Review conclusions Feb 2006 The Board is therefore responsible for a number of objectives coming from a combination of any of the following:

• Statutory duties set out in legislation, • Targets set by EU directives, • Policy requirements set out by government agencies, • Guidance given by environmental and other bodies, • The Board’s own aims regarding operational best practice, accountability and proper

governance.

These should be simplified into manageable headings that enable the Board to measure and review its performance against objectives that are easy to understand.

The headings could logically be set out as follows:

STRATEGIC – those objectives that shape the future direction of the Board LEGISLATIVE – those routine objectives that are core to the Boards existence as laid down by statute/DEFRA/EA OPERATIONAL – those discretional objectives that improve the Board’s ability to perform its

role, both out in the district and the general management of resources (funds, plant)

* See glossary on page 21

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REVIEW OF CURRENT OBJECTIVES A review of IDBs was announced in June 2005 when Elliot Morley, the then Minister of State (Environment and Climate Change), wrote to IDB Chairmen advising them that Defra intended to engage consultants who, in consultation with the Environment Agency (EA), Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA) and others, would advise on the present IDB arrangements and how well each IDB fits into a broad model of how IDBs should be operating in the present day. In August 2005, Defra appointed JBA Consulting to undertake an independent review of Internal Drainage Boards. The consultants were asked to make recommendations on suitable organisational arrangements that would ensure boards are efficient, accountable and representative of the interests of both drainage ratepayers and wider interests in delivering their flood management and other responsibilities, and to assess existing boards against these criteria. Following substantial consultation and analysis, JBA Consulting submitted their report to DEFRA on 28 February 2006, which contained the following recommendations.

IDB’s should:

• Provide a cost efficient and effective water level and flood risk management service to an agreed standard;

• Have a forward looking strategic vision of how they will provide their service in partnership with Local Authorities and the Environment Agency;

• Deliver environmental management in accordance with legislation and Government policies;

• Respond to the emerging challenges from the Water Framework Directive; • Fulfill other requirements relating to, for example, health and safety legislation and

accounting regulations; • Embrace new technology to support both asset management and modern

administrative/financial practices; • Be open and transparent with published visions, standing orders and boards decisions etc

including access via the internet There were 13 key issues identified by the report and the Board’s response to those issues together with a timetable for action is shown at Appendix I. The Board has already dealt with some of the issues raised by the review and any remaining issues will be picked up in the new objectives set out below. Whilst the Board agreed with many of the recommendations from the above review, Defra chose not to adopt or implement these recommendations. However, the North Level and the Nene Washlands Commissioners decided to proceed with the planned amalgamation and hence the Nene Washlands are now an integral part of the North Level District Internal Drainage Board. The Board is now actively engaged with consultants from RPA who are employed by Defra developing methods for identifying the range of beneficiaries of IDB activity, to quantify these benefits in order to assist IDB’s in providing relevant information to local communities. The project also aims to develop a range of indicators, both to help IDB’s demonstrate the value they provide to local communities and other stakeholders and to help achieve greater accountability and efficiency. The Board have played a key role in securing the preferred project to strengthen the South Barrier Bank at Whittlesey. The Whittlesey Washes Flood Storage Reservoir is subject to the Reservoirs Act 1975. The purpose of this Act is to protect people against the uncontrolled and potential dangerous escape of water from impounding reservoirs. As with all reservoirs, the Whittlesey

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Washes is routinely inspected by an independent engineer under Section 10 (2)(b) of the Act to ensure its safe operation. An inspection carried out in 2005 made recommendations for Matters in the Interest of Safety (MIOS) to be delivered by December 2012, which led to the development of the Whittlesey Washes Safety Works project. The reservoir can hold up to approximately 35.7 million m³ of water. The original project was not supported by key partners of the EA, including local residents. As a result, an alternative scheme was put forward and ultimately was approved by all parties. However, this left a funding shortfall in excess of £3 million. The North Level offered to take over the future maintenance of the South Barrier Bank on completion of the works, conditional upon being granted all grazing rights on the banks, complete with stock proof fencing; the transfer of the maintenance of Moretons Leam for a minimum 10 year period, the EA to contribute to these maintenance costs for the first 3 years. The contribution in kind to the overall scheme equated to £1.47 million and was key in taking the preferred scheme forward. THE BOARD’S VISION IS TO:

• be recognised as a competent FCERM authority • play a full part in local partnerships • have a distinct role working with other relevant authorities • become a ‘delivery partner’ of choice for Lead Local Flood Authorities • build capacity and adjust to deal with new challenges • adapt in the face of climate change

THE BOARD’S ROLE: • carefully manage water levels within our district for land drainage, flood risk management,

irrigation, and environmental benefit • work within our hydrologically defined catchment • provide protection in areas of special flood risk • be recognised as the land drainage authority within our district • play a full part in local partnerships

PURPOSE:

• through the functions listed above, sustain land use , including habitation, agriculture, industry, recreation and natural habitats

• play our part in delivering UK food security • contribute to the security of civil infrastructure within our district • aid the sustainability of rural and urban communities within our catchment • help maintain Defra’s commitment to the ABI over flood risk management to properties, and

the consequent availability of flood insurance

DECISION MAKING:

• liaise with all relevant stakeholders, FRM delivery partners and Government • conduct their activities with regard to Local and National Government strategies • actively shape and comment on local and regional policy decisions • play an active role in development planning decisions within and surrounding our district

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REPRESENTATION AND FINANCE:

• be representative of the communities we serve through elected and appointed Board membership

• raise funds locally for water level management through IDB special levy and agricultural drainage rates

• balance the priorities and stakeholder views within our district ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:

• promoting the ecological wellbeing of our district • working to help maintain and improve all SSSIs and other designated environmental areas

within our district • developing and implementing IDB Biodiversity Action Plans • working towards reducing and mitigating our climate change impact

DELIVERY OF NEW OBJECTIVES The objectives set out below are designed to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely). They have been set with a view to being delivered within the time frames shown and they have, where possible, been assigned to an individual who will have responsibility for their delivery. The Audit Committee will review progress during the year and report annually to the Board. The objectives will be kept “live” and all staff will be made aware of them. Provision has been made in the estimates from 2010 onwards to be able to deliver the objectives, once the Board has approved them.

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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Objective Heading Detail Timescale Responsibility Prog/10 S1 MISSION To reduce the risk to people and the developed and natural environment

from flooding by encouraging the provision of technically, environmentally and economically sound and sustainable defence measures.

Ongoing Board 10/10

S2 POLICY STATEMENT

In 1999 the Government published High Level Targets for Flood and Coastal Defence to ensure more certain delivery of the Strategy aims and objectives. Target 1 required that the Board produce a policy statement setting out how it will fulfil its role as part of the Strategy (see Appendix II)

Sep 2010 Board 5/10

S3 PARTNERSHIP S3.1 The Board will work in partnership with the EA, Lead Local Flood

Authorities, RFCC’s and others to develop long-term flood defence strategies in accordance with CFMP’s, SMP’s, SWMP, PFRA, SFRA’s for the area. Liaison meetings will take place regularly.

Ongoing Engineer 10/10

S3.2 Regular liaison meetings will also be held with LCC, Peterborough City

Council and Cambs CC as they have overall responsibility for flood defence strategy in their respective areas. The Board formally adopted the Lincolnshire Flood Risk Management Partnership at its April 2010 meeting. We are already represented on the Peterborough City Partnership and the Cambridgeshire County Council Partnerships. The Board has worked with all three Local Lead Flood Authorities, helping to produce their Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments, Water Cycle Studies and Strategic Flood Risk Assessments, these are all now complete.

Ongoing Engineer 10/10

S3.3 The Board will work with our FRM partners to overcome problems with the

Environment Agency’s Procurement and Legal Teams the Board remain unable to carry out operational duties for and on behalf of the Agency. Similar problems have been experienced when attempting to quote for work within the Boards area with Lincolnshire County Council in that they are legally bound to use their framework contractor. Work is ongoing to attempt to resolve these issues, as clearly all parties can benefit from partnership working.

April 2010 Engineer 8/10

S4 AWARENESS One of the issues the Board faces is that the general public, including those people living in the rural parts of the district, are unaware of the Board’s role and responsibilities. The Board needs to continue to raise its profile through a campaign that educates and informs the public. Appendix III sets out our annual PR campaign. See notes on page 5 regarding work ongoing with Defra and RPA consultants

Ongoing Chief Exec 7/10

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OBJECTIVE Heading Detail

Timescale Responsibility Prog/10

L1 SUPERVISORY POWERS

The Board has a duty to exercise general supervision over all matters relating to the drainage of land within its District and has power to carry out work on watercourses within that District. As such the Board has designated certain watercourses in the District upon which to carry out regular maintenance and does so under statutory powers. The Board’s watercourses have been designed to provide a freeboard of 0.3m above the water level of a 1 in 20 year flood event to the lowest general land levels in the District (as far as is practicable without excessive freeboards elsewhere). The system provides an overall level of protection of between 1 in 50 and 1 in 100 years return period. The consenting of works on ordinary watercourses within the Boards district will remain with the Board even though the LLFA now has these powers.

Ongoing Engineer 10/10

L2 AMALGAMATION L4.1 The Board has already amalgamated with the Westside Marshes

IDB during 2006 forming the new North Level District IDB. Board 10/10

L4.2 The Board has already taken the decision to amalgamate with the Nene Washlands Commissioners as per the Defra sub catchment plan. This process was completed in March 2012.

Complete Board 10/10

L3 ENVIRONMENT L3.1 The Board is required to produce a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)

by April 2010. The Board appointed Lapwing Consultants to assist in producing this plan. Biodiversity action plan now complete BAP was reviewed September 2012.

Apr 2010 Engineer 10/10

L3.2 The IDB review suggested that we have environmental awareness days for members and staff. The Board should aim to promote this at least one event or meeting each year. Members of staff have attended a Fens Biodiversity workshop designed to produce a co-ordinated strategy for the fens. Having acquired the Knarr Lake at Cross Guns, both the Sept and Oct view days included the Boards conservation work. In addition to this the Board annually surveys approximately 10,000 metres of watercourse for established species ahead of the capital works program.

Ongoing Engineer 08/10

LEGISLATIVE OBJECTIVES

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L3.3 We should use other opportunities to demonstrate the environmental and conservation credentials of the Board to all relevant stakeholders.

Ongoing Engineer 08/10

L3.4 The Board installed a 10Kw solar installation at Cross Guns Pumping Station in November 2011. Following its commercial success, a further 4Kw systems was installed on the roof of the Board’s pumping station house in August 2012. At a meeting of the Board in November 2012, consent was given to construct a 50Kw ground mounted system at the Board’s Green Drove stores site. The reasons for this are two fold. Firstly, the production of green energy will help the Board offset its carbon footprint as with the pumping stations we are deemed a high energy user. Secondly, the returns on the financial investment are favourable when compared with the poor returns currently on offer with banks/building societies.

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OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Objective Heading Detail Timescale Responsibility Prog/10

O1 WATER LEVEL MANAGEMENT

O1.1 The Board currently has a telemetry network that monitors water levels and pumping station activity. This is remotely accessible by key North Level employees

2010 Engineer 10/10

O2 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

O2.1 The Engineers have recently upgraded the survey equipment to use a GPS system. This has led to efficiency savings in terms of man hours data collection and also in producing the engineering drawings as it is largely done automatically via a data log download to various software applications. These applications include a link to our existing GIS mapping, longitudinal and cross sections drawings, Hec-Ras modelling software and the Board’s asset management database. The Board’s Arc GIS mapping has been upgraded to Arcview version 10. Survey equipment was upgraded in November 2012 to enable better asset management information in addition to survey data to be collected.

2010 Chief Exec 8/10

O2.2 The office currently runs a number of different PC’s with various versions of operating systems and office applications. The Board shall ensure that: + All PC’s and PC software are properly licensed + A uniform operating system and office suite is used + A minimum specification of PC is available to all staff

2010/11 Chief Exec 10/10

O2.3 The Board’s website was upgraded in 2010, which has enabled the Boards staff to make changes and update information This is now complete with modifications and upgrades now being done by Boards staff

July 2010 Engineer 10/10

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O2.4 The Board’s is currently striving to build an hydraulic model of its entire catchment in order to ascertain the exact level of protection afforded to its area. A scheme was successfully submitted to the Environment Agency in 2011 for the first phase of this project, which is to model 85km of the Board’s Tydd pumping station catchment. The Board’s Engineers have completed all the survey work and Royal Haskoning DHV have completed the first phase of the modelling work. A second phase of work on this model has recently been commissioned and is due for completion in February 2013. In addition to this, the Board has employed a student on a year long contract to model further catchments, in a drive to build a complete hydraulic model of the entire North Level catchment.

2017

Engineer

04/10

Objective Heading

Detail Timescale Responsibility Prog/10

O3 PLANT AND MACHINERY

O3.1 In 2007, the Board’s Engineers carried out a review of all the weed cutting plant used on an annual basis, the objective of this review was to make significant savings based on efficiency. A six year plant replacement programme was outlined and commenced in 2008. The procurement of these machines included looking at the whole life costs of the machines, which included depreciation, running costs for maintenance and running costs for labour. This allowed competitive hourly rates for each plant item to be established and a predicted cost per metre to cut. To date, the purchase of these mowing units has resulted in significant savings to the Board. The Board’s Engineers review the performance of these machines annually to ensure cost efficiency is maximized.

Ongoing Engineers 8/10

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O4 ASSET MANAGEMENT

O4.1 An existing objective following the 2006 IDB review was to record and assess the condition of the Board’s assets. This work is ongoing with culverts and pipelines approx 35% and 50% complete respectively. The drains database is complete with an automatic update for mudding out requirements. The sluices and slackers database is complete with condition assessment and photographs. The pumping stations and properties database has not yet been started. All databases are in Excel format and linked to the Board’s existing Arcview GIS. We are still awaiting details on the new national database being developed by the Environment Agency, which we will ultimately be required to submit our data

2010/2011 Ongoing

Engineer 06/10

O4.2 At present, the Board’s land is being registered with land registry. The benefits to the Board of registering the owned land are: + Land registry wants this to happen and have already offered a low fee to register all land (£525) + It helps to protect land from encroachment, or squatters rights + It enables us to computerize our records making ongoing management easier. + It provides simpler access to the landowning details, this is useful when it comes to selling land or if anyone else makes a claim. + It consolidates and stores relevant information in one place. + It incurs a one-off cost that brings savings in the longer-term. This exercise is largely complete now with just a few outstanding issues with Land Registry.

Dec 2010 Ongoing

Rating Officer Chief Exec

9/10

O5 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

O5.1 Updating Standing Orders and Proceedings presently with Defra for approval.

Ongoing Chief Executive 5/10

O5.2 Maintenance of drains completed to approved standard and on budget.

Ongoing Engineer 10/10

O5.3 Operation and maintenance of pumping stations is estimated on an average years rainfall, therefore in low rainfall year’s money is transferred to balances and in heavy rainfall, year’s money is drawn from balances to off-set extra cost. This is done to minimise the effect on the drainage rate/special levy payers rather than increasing or decreasing the rates depending on the weather.

Ongoing Engineer 10/10

O5.4 Capital expenditure is kept to within estimates annually, with alternative sources of funding being sought wherever possible, be that FDGiA or partnership or from the development levy funds.

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REVIEW TIMETABLE The Board’s intention is to review the plan in January each year to ensure that the objectives remain SMART.

The Floods and Water Management Act 2010 received Royal Assent on 08 April 2010. At this stage the main obligation to Drainage Boards would appear to be to cooperate with the relevant Lead Local Flood Authority

The Bill gives the Environment Agency a strategic overview of the management of flood and coastal erosion risk in England, and a similar role in Wales to Welsh Ministers. In accordance with the Government’s Response to the Pitt Review, it also gives upper tier local authorities in England, and local authorities in Wales, responsibility for preparing and putting in place strategies for managing flood risk from groundwater, surface water and ordinary watercourses in their areas.

The Environment Agency, local authorities and other bodies are given duties and powers that relate to these responsibilities directly by this Act, and by way of amendments made by this Act to the Water Resources Act 1991, the Land Drainage Act 1991 and the Coast Protection Act 1949.

In particular, it amends the Coast Protection Act 1949 to give the Environment Agency powers in relation to coastal erosion risk management to add to their current powers on coastal flooding.

It also provides for Regional Flood and Coastal Committees to replace Regional Flood Defence Committees. These will advise the Environment Agency and their consent will be required prior to implementation of the Environment Agency’s regional programme for their area. They will retain their decision-making powers in respect of raising and spending the local levy and their remit is extended to cover coastal erosion as well as flooding.

The Act also provides additional legal powers for certain authorities in England and Wales formally to designate assets or features which affect flood or coastal erosion risk. It increases regulatory control of the significant number of assets or features which form flood and coastal erosion risk management systems, but which are not maintained or operated by those formally responsible for managing the risk.

The full implications will only become clear once the Partnerships are up and running. The Board is closely monitoring the concept of Total Environment currently being trialled by Lincolnshire County Council. The main concern being the continuity of funding to IDB’s within the county especially with regard to our special levy payments from the relevant District Councils. This work is ongoing with further meetings having been held in November and December 2011. At this time, the Total Environment concept is on hold with a greater emphasis on partnership funding of schemes. Works are ongoing to develop a common works programme to better understand where joint works can give greater outcomes for less total expenditure.

The Public Bodies Bill is also a direct threat to the industry as we may find our roles, funding stream, and constitution changed overnight by the Minister if this Bill is passed. This Bill received Royal Assent on 14 December 2011. It is now an Act of Parliament which is likely to lead to some profound changes to a number of governmental bodies and the functions which they perform.

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Appendix I Summary of Key Issues from 2006 IDB Review: ISSUE DATE COMMENTS PROGRESS/10 1. IDBs should adopt minimum

website requirements

From 01/03/07

Implemented pre JBA report 10/10

2. IDBs should adopt computerised accounting and rating systems

From 01/03/07

Implemented pre JBA report 10/10

3. IDBs should ensure that they meet the requirements of the new Audit and Accounting regulations

From 01/03/07

Implemented pre JBA report 10/10

4. IDBs are encouraged to hold new Member induction days.

From 01/04/07

Traditionally held - new Members training days. Environmental awareness days etc held for staff & Members

10/10

5. IDBs are asked to complete a Self Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and comment on their decision for future organisational arrangements

By 31/05/07

Deadline extended by Defra due to local elections. Completed October 2010

10/10

6. IDBs ADA are working with the EA to overcome procurement issues, having seconded Ian Russell from the EA to work directly with ADA.

From 01/06/07

Works ongoing. 2/10

7. IDBs are asked to undertake visual inspection of watercourses, raised defences and structures, culverts and pumping stations and input condition of assets into new system

By 31/03/08

Records are held in house. Awaiting details of new format and guidance for submission onto the EA’s new CAMSC database. Data submitted to LLFA partners both for their use and elements to be made available to the public in line with the Floods and Water Act 2010. Ongoing

7/10

8. IDBs are asked to prepare asset management plans for identifying future maintenance and refurbishment expenditure

From 01/04/08

Ongoing 6/10

9. IDBs are asked to account separately for expenditure on agricultural land drainage and that on urban and environmental management

From 01/04/08

Breakdown of Expenditure already available. Waiting details of format required

0/10

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ISSUE DATE COMMENTS PROGRESS/10 10. IDBs are asked to account for

“administration costs” on a specified basis

From 01/04/08

Breakdown of Expenditure already available.

10/10

11. IDBs are asked to monitor themselves against Value for Money indicators

From 01/09/08

Indicators awaited. No problems envisaged. Staff are engaged with RPA consultants who are preparing a report for Defra on Key Performance Indicators.

5/10

12. IDBs are asked to adopt and publish revised Vision Statement.

By 01/09/08

Board’s Policy Statement to be revised when new format known Vision Statement now adopted

10/10

13. IDBs are asked to complete biodiversity audits and produce Biodiversity Action Plans

By 31/03/10

Currently preparing our own BAP by Apr 2010. Complete and updated October 2011 and again in September 2012.

10/10

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Appendix II

POLICY STATEMENT

Risk Management

• The Board monitors the condition of all watercourses and assets under its control or maintained by the Board under statutory powers.

• Annual maintenance regimes have been established that ensure that the level of

protection offered by the system (see Section 2.4) is maintained where possible.

• Where the level of protection falls below that which is expected improvement works are undertaken where they are sustainable and are economically, technically and environmentally sound.

• In order to manage the risk the Board will use maintenance and capital works practices

that have proven both effective and sustainable in the past whilst also employing new practices that can be shown to offer similar benefits in the future.

• As part of its ongoing partnership with other operating authorities and relevant bodies

the Board will endeavour to ensure that best practice is adopted and shared.

• In adopting a strategic approach to defence provision the Board will direct its resources to those areas where it is considered there is the most need and where works can be shown to give benefits not just in the short term but also over the long term to improve the social, economic and natural environment.

• The Board will work in partnership with the EA and other stakeholders to develop long term flood defence strategies for the area.

Flood Warning and Emergency Planning

• In the Board’s District the EA provide and operate flood warning systems. The Police are responsible for co-ordinating the emergency services. Local authorities are responsible for co-ordinating emergency plans of local bodies involved in emergency response.

• The Board will continue to work in partnership with other authorities in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and with Peterborough City Council and assist in emergency planning exercises to improve and develop the Local Flood Warning Plan (as issued by the EA).

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Environmental Obligations and Biodiversity

• Whilst the Board’s priority is drainage and flood defence it recognises the need to protect the environment from un-necessary damage and to enhance habitats where appropriate.

• The Board supports the Lincolnshire Bio-Diversity Action Plan and will work with other

bodies to achieve the targets set out in the plan.

• The Board will co-operate with the EA and Natural England in order to fulfil statutory environmental obligations.

• The Board will operate environmentally sensitive systems of work and water level

management where appropriate and viable to the efficient working of the system.

Development Planning and Funding of Associated Works

• The Board will advise developers and local planning authorities regarding applications for development within the District. It will oppose any development that is at risk from, or has the potential to increase the risk of, flooding in the District unless economically, technically and environmentally sound sustainable measures can be taken to remove that risk or reduce it to an acceptable level.

• The Board will not give guidance on the risk of flooding from main rivers and coastal

defences.

• The Board will work with local planning authorities in the preparation of Local Development Plans or other plans as and when requested.

• Development contributions will be obtained where the improvement of the Board’s

existing system is required. Where additional new works are required the developers will be expected to meet the cost in full.

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Appendix III PROFILE RAISING CAMPAIGN

Background Those people involved with the Board as employees, Board members, farmers or other rate payers are aware of the Board and the valuable work that we do. One of the issues the Board faces is that the general public, including those people living in the rural parts of the district, are unaware of the Board’s role and responsibilities. The Board ought to have a programme of raising both its own profile and general public awareness of the real risks and management responsibilities in the area. Benefits EDUCATION – working with schools, colleges, parish councils and other bodies will improve general awareness of land drainage, pumping stations, engineering and environmental work. This information will in turn be passed to other rate payers, colleagues, parents and friends. ASSURANCE – we will be able to demonstrate the excellent level of technical skills and knowledge that enables us to maintain and manage drainage and flood risk in the local area. SUCCESSION – raising the profile of the technical work we perform will inform potential future employees of the engineering, environmental, financial and other career opportunities at the Board. GOODWILL – any attempt by the Board to engage with the local community can only add merit to the way in which the Board is viewed. Contact with a wider circle of people may then lead to the Board being contacted more frequently when issues arise or when public comment is required on water management and flood issues.

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Activity

The following table sets out some initial ideas for profile raising which the Board could easily achieve providing the necessary use of time and resource is supported by the Board. Audience Aspect Activity Parish Councillors Presentations Presentations at Parish Council meetings Schools Visits Build relationships with local primary

schools. The Board already works with a number of primary schools including Duke of Bedford, Thorney, Spalding Primary School, Kinderley Primary at Tydd St Giles.

Colleges Lectures Engineering staff to present the Board’s recent work and experience to engineering students. Currently have a link with the Abbey College at Ramsey for their Engineering Diploma students to visit the North Level. Joined by St Neots Community College this year, Sponsor for Engineering Diploma course. A student from Ken Stimpson Community School spent two weeks work experience with the Board during October 2010.In 2010 and again in 2011 the Boards Engineers have taken part in the Abbey College ‘Interview day’ for year 13 students.

The Public Press releases Regular PR articles on water industry topics

Local Press Prepare articles informing readers about recent activity/rainfall/pumping activity etc Eastern Daily Press, ADA gazette

Open days Have a programme of open days. The Board had a stand at Open Farm Sunday in Thorney during June 2010, 2011 and 2012. Participated in a Floods Fair organised by Peterborough City to raise the awareness of flood risk. We are hosting the ADA Demonstration in July 2013, this will attract interest from both fellow professionals and the wider public.

Website Use redeveloped website to generally tell people what we are doing and to flag up the profile raising activity we are promoting

Environmental/ Conservation related bodies

Presentations/visits To educate such bodies about the work that we do and the conservation/environmental management we actually do. Presentations given during 2011 to Wisbech branch of the NFU

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APPENDIX IV GLOSSARY ABI –Association of British Insurers ADA – Association of Drainage Authorities BAP – Biodiversity Action Plan CCC – Cambridgeshire County Council CFMP – Catchment Flood Management Plan EA – Environment Agency FCERM – Flood Coastal Erosion Risk Management FRM – Flood Risk Management GIS – Geographic Information System GPS – Global Positioning System IDB – Internal Drainage Board JBA – Jeremy Benn Associates LCC – Lincolnshire County Council LLFA – Lead Local Flood Authority NFU - National Farmers Union PCC – Peterborough City Council PFRA – Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment PR – Public Relations RFCC – Regional Flood and Coastal Committee RFDC – Regional Flood Defence Committee RPA – Risk and Policy Analysts SFRA - Strategic Flood Risk Assessment SMP – Shoreline Management Plan SWMP - Surface Water Management Plan WCS – Water Cycle Study

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Estimate Actual Estimate Actual Estimate Actual Estimate Actual Estimate Actual Estimate Actual2011 - 2012 2011 -2012 2012-13 2012-13 2013-14 2013-14 2014-15 2014-15 2015-16 2015-16 2016/17 2016/17

Environment Agency - Precept 126,601 115,268 120,064 122,122 124,564 125,810 127,000

Pumping Plant Fund 50,000 100,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000

Capital Works from Revenue 63,484 62,791 99,102 89,902 86,000 88,000 88,000

Maintenance of Drains 483,701 453,934 556,715 577,347 566,363 577,690 577,690

Maintenance of Pumping Stations 252,760 198,618 302,984 309,035 312,125 316,000 319,160

20,000

Maintenance of Properties 28,784 30,271 33,166 33,810 34,148 34,500 35,000

Establishment Charges:-Printing, stationery and advertising 7,196 5,712 8,224 8,384 8,500 8,600 8,600Office Accomodation 3,187 2,265 3,084 3,144 3,200 3,300 3,300Postage and Telephone 9,252 6,799 9,046 9,222 9,200 9,300 9,300Office furniture and equipment 3,084 2,108 3,392 3,458 3,500 3,600 3,600General Insurance 8,446 10,900 9,252 9,432 9,500 9,600 9,600Bank charges 412 1,759 1,234 1,259 1,200 1,200 1,200

6,066 2,500 2,500 2,600 2,600Miscellaneous expenditure 13,570 10,879 12,130 12,366 12,500 12,600 12,600Computing facilities 15,420 15,452 16,448 16,768 17,000 17,000 17,000

Salaries etc. of Officers and Staff

Administration 105,696 94,792 113,564 120,534 110,640 112,852 101,177N.I.C. And Pension Contributions 22,007 27,678 20,135 24,898 33,192 33,855 37,620Engineering Costs 127,579 127,469 39,690 48,557 51,287 50,902 38,915N.I.C. And Pension Contributions 37,993 54,630 13,054 17,461 18,444 18,091 12,513Pensions Contributions former staff 6,000 5,572 5,800 5,800 7,000 7,100 7,500Travelling and subsistence 3,598 2,378 2,056 2,220 2,500 2,500 2,500Training 2,056 5,243 6,168 6,180 6,200 3,300 3,300

Other ExpensesAudit Fee 12,906 3,563 3,654 2,100 2,100 2,200 2,200

Internal Audit 2,000 2,199 2,000 2,102 2,000 2,200 2,200Legal and professional fees 8,224 10,056 5,140 5,250 5,000 5,000 5,000

1,393,956 1,376,402 1,436,102 1,483,851 1,478,663 1,497,800 1,477,575

PROJECTED ESTIMATES 2011 - 2017

EXPENDITURE

Labour charge to oncost account

Pro. Indemnity - rechargeable works

APPENDIX V

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Estimate Actual Estimate Actual Estimate Actual Estimate Actual Estimate Actual, Estimate Actual2011-2012 2011-2012 2012-2013 2012-2013 2013-2014 2013-2014 2014 -2015 2014 -2015 2015 - 2016 2015-2016 2016-2017

£ £ £ £ £ £ £

Rents 33,250 36,004 32,000 36,000 36,000 36,000 36,000

Investment Income 3,052 4,063 3,963 4,600 5,000 7,000 8,000

Miscellaneous 14,000 16,458 24,000 15,000 24,000 24,000 24,000

5,000 5,000 3,000Pumping Contributions 6,550 5,883 8,000 8,000 8,000 8,500 8,500Staff time re: development 37,425 42,997 18,150 12,375 4,500 2,000 4,500

14,245 3,300 1,800 4,500 4,00013,023 1,500 1,000 1,500 2,000

10,000 0other income 7,400 20,000 8,100 16,488 15,000 15,000 15,000

101,677 152,673 104,213 102,263 100,300 101,500 102,000

Total Estimated Expenditure 1,393,956 1,376,402 1,436,102 1,483,851 1,478,663 1,497,800 1,477,575

Estimated Income -101,677 -152,673 -104,213 -102,263 -100,300 -101,500 -102,000TO / FROM balances 1,165 69,864 -36,401 -50,834 -44,831 -35787 11,840

1,293,444 1,293,593 1,295,488 1,330,754 1,333,532 1,360,513 1,387,415

2.96 3.02 3.10 3.167.26 7.26 7.40 7.55 7.70 7.85

580,303 580,142 10.69 580,229 10.69 593,636 10.89 594,564 10.90 606,578 11.12 618,570 11.34

713,141 713,141 715,285 737,565 738,968 753,935 768,845

1,293,444 1,293,283 1,295,514 1,331,201 1,333,532 1,360,513 1,387,415

1.86% 0.16% 2.65% 0.21% 1.98% 2.02%

1,165 69,864 -36,401 -50,834 -44,831 -35,787 11840

.Reserves 482,941 552,805 516,404 465,570 420,739 384,952 396,792

37.34% 42.74% 39.86% 34.97% 31.55% 28.29% 28.60%

2011 - 2012 2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 2014 - 2015 2015 - 2016 2016 -2017

Min. Res. £323,361 £323,878 £326,949 £333,383 £340,128 £346,853

Sale of rating programme

PROJECTED ESTIMATES 2011 - 2017

INCOME

Staff exp. Pump and capital fundsStaff exp. Rechargeable works

E.A. Contribution

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2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 2014 - 2015Revenue Revenue RevenueNew Drove Drain Phase 2 - Wisbech St Mary £33,000.00 Northolme Drain Phase 2- Eye £17,000.00Shire Drain - Tydd Gote £25,000.00 Northolme Drain Phase 1- Eye £50,000.00 Fish Fen Drain Phase 1- Thorney £20,000.00Main Drain Phase 3 - Tydd Gote £20,000.00 Main Drain Phase 4 - Tydd Gote £10,000.00 Old Wryde Improvement Scheme Phase 2 - Murrow £20,000.00Teleporter £2,000.00 Teleporter £2,000.00 Main Drain Phase 5 - Tydd St Giles £10,000.00Maintenance of drains, banks and sluices £484,100.00 Cleanse and Inspect Pipelines £10,000.00 Teleporter £5,000.00Maintenance & Running Pumping Stations £263,464.00 Maintenance of drains, banks and sluices £502,041.00 Maintenance of drains, banks and sluices £492,489.00

Sub-total £827,564.00 Maintenance & Running Pumping Stations £268,726.00 Maintenance & Running Pumping Stations £271,413.00Sub-total £842,767.00 Sub-total £835,902.00

Westside Marshes Revenue Westside Marshes RevenueProctors Drain Phase 2 £6,000.00 Proctors Drain Phase 3 £6,000.00 Westside Marshes Revenue

Proctors Drain Phase 4 £6,000.00Development DevelopmentHundreds Drain Phase 2- Crowland £31,000.00 DevelopmentMain Drain Phase 3 - Tydd Gote (Bank Re-profiling) £10,000.00 Cleanse and Inspect Pipelines £10,000.00West Counter Drain Stabilizations £10,000.00 Main Drain Phase 4 Cleansing - Tydd Gote £45,000.00 Main Drain Phase 5 - Tydd St Giles £20,000.00Eye Parish Stabilizations £4,300.00 Teleporter £3,000.00 Sub-total £30,000.00Tydd Catchment Model Phase 2 £8,000.00 Sub-total £48,000.00 Total £871,902.00Right Fork Drain - Newborough £15,000.00 Total £851,767.00Teleporter £3,000.00

Sub-total £81,300.00Total £914,864.00

2015 - 2016 2016 - 2017Revenue RevenueNortholme Drain Phase 3- Eye £17,000.00 Northolme Drain Phase 4 - Eye £15,000.00Fish Fen Drain Phase 2 - Thorney £15,000.00 Abbey Drain Phase 1 - Crowland £12,000.00Old Wryde Improvement Scheme Phase 3 - Murrow £15,000.00 Old Wryde Improvement Scheme Phase 4 - Murrow£20,000.00Main Drain Phase 6 - Tydd St Giles £18,000.00 Main Drain Phase 7 - Tydd St Giles £20,000.00Teleporter £5,000.00 Teleporter £5,000.00Maintenance of drains, banks and sluices £502,339.00 Maintenance of drains, banks and sluices £502,339.00Maintenance & Running Pumping Stations £274,782.00 Maintenance & Running Pumping Stations £277,530.00

Sub-total £847,121.00 Sub-total £851,869.00

Westside Marshes Revenue Westside Marshes RevenueProctors Drain Phase 5 £6,000.00 Spur Drain North Phase 2 £6,000.00

Development DevelopmentCleanse and Inspect Pipelines £10,000.00 Cleanse and Inspect Pipelines £10,000.00Stewards House Drain Phase 1 - Thorney £20,000.00 Stewards House Drain Phase 2 - Thorney £20,000.00

Sub-total £30,000.00 Sub-total £30,000.00Total £883,121.00 Total £887,869.00

APPENDIX VI