ADA responds to Local authority funding reform

Local authority funding reform: objectives and principles

ADA responded highlighting that there is a strong rationale for establishing a bespoke formulae in relation to flood defence, land drainage, and coastal protection. The impacts of flooding and the response to it remains a huge concerns for many local authorities and this has been voiced directly to government with regards the urgent need for further funding, but also to enact the recovery grants process to support the communities and individuals that need it most.

ADA would support a bespoke formulae that strengthens the functions, powers and resources of county, unitary, and district councils to carry out their flood risk management functions and the consideration of ring-fenced allocations to local authorities for that work and funding responsibilities.

Such a bespoke formulae should take account of the relative needs of local authorities, including those related to:

• flood incidents investigation (Section19, Flood & Water Management Act 2010),
• special levy costs associated with lowland water level management by internal drainage boards,
• flood incident response,
• regulatory responsibilities for ordinary watercourses and surface water management (SuDS),
• maintenance works in relation to ordinary watercourses and flood defences, and
• coastal flooding, erosion, and adaptation.