South Holland District Council welcomes additional cash for drainage board

Council leaders are waiting to find out how much additional cash will be coming their way to fund the Internal Drainage Boards.

South Holland District Council’s finance chief, Coun Paul Redgate, has welcomed the news that the Government is now offering £5million - instead of £3million - of additional support to authorities worst hit by the rising costs of the drainage boards (IDBs).

SHDC is not only waiting for the Government to reveal its share of this additional funding but also for the IDBs to confirm how much money this year’s levy will be.

IDBs carry out vital work in reducing flood risk and maintaining water levels, but their levies have reached unprecedented levels — and these are paid for by affected local authorities, meaning the burden falls on ratepayers in areas such as south Lincolnshire, despite the benefit being felt much further afield.

The drainage board costs have risen dramatically in recent years as wetter winters has resulted in higher energy bills as they pump away water in order to keep homes and businesses safe.

South Holland District Council and a number of other authorities have been calling on the government to provide a sustainable solution for the funding of IDBS.

Coun Redgate, who has been chairing Special Interest Group for Internal Drainage Board levies, said: “I would like to thank the Minister for Local Government, Rt Hon Jim McMahon OBE MP, for meeting with us, listening and increasing the funding to the most impacted councils. I would also like to thank the District Councils' Network for supporting us.

“The levy has risen by £11million over the past three years and whilst the additional £2million helps, there is still a large gap for councils to meet, which can only be funded by reducing service provision or finding other savings against a back drop of financial pressures.

“The Internal Drainage Boards have a hugely important role to play in protecting communities but the current Special Levy arrangements are creating a significant burden for a number of Councils, placing some in a precarious financial position.”

The Special Interest Group now represents 40 councils in England impacted in some way by the Special Levy.