Neighbourhood, Environmental and Communities Cabinet Member – minutes – 26 November 2008

51 (12) FLOOD PREVENTION – POLICY ON LAND DRAINAGE ENFORCEMENT – The Service Director Neighbourhood and Environment submitted a report seeking approval of a policy document relating to permissive powers under the Land Drainage Act 1991.

At the meeting of full Council on 19 March 2008 the constitution was reviewed and updated (minute 1549 refers). In response to ongoing flood issues the delegated powers of the Service Director Neighbourhood and Environment were amended to include the relevant sections of the Land Drainage Act 1991. This action was required to provide additional coverage with respect to drainage and flooding to support the Service Director Highways and Planning who currently has delegated permissive powers but only in relation to highways.

To minimise the potential for further flooding the North Lincolnshire Flood Forum was still proactively tackling a plethora of drainage issues across North Lincolnshire. The Forum was a multi agency group consisting of the Environment Agency, Severn Trent, Anglian Water, Internal Drainage Boards, Fire Brigade, Government Office for Yorkshire and Humber and the council.

The relevant provisions of the Land Drainage Act 1991 were permissive powers rather than duties. It was good practice for the council to set out clearly when the powers would be used.

The proposed document “Policy and Guidance on Land Drainage Enforcement” was appended to the report.

Resolved – (a) That the document “Policy and Guidance on Land Drainage Enforcement”, which sets out the circumstances under which the council will use the permissive powers set out in the Land Drainage Act 1991, be approved, and (b) that the policy be referred to the Highways and Planning Cabinet Member for adoption.

The following item contains exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

52 (13) REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE AND PARTNERSHIPS DIVISION – The Service Director Neighbourhood and Environment submitted a report seeking support for a review of the Performance and Partnerships division.

The creation of a post of Performance and Information Manager was proposed to replace the post of Head of Performance and Partnerships.

A realignment of resources was planned to support the information technology (IT) systems in the service area.

The amalgamation of the administrative sections currently based at Church Square House and Cherry Grove was proposed with a recognition of the need to provide an element of technical administrative support in the Streetscene and Landscapes and Waste Management divisions.

Further details were set out in the report and its appendices.

Resolved – (a) That support be given for the restructure proposals for the review of the Performance and Partnerships division, and (b) that the report be referred to the Corporate Services Cabinet Member for approval.

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Where there is no report this is because it is exempt, as it contains information which is considered to be of a confidential nature, as detailed in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act.