Issue - meetings

This paper provides a report back, as requested by the Executive Member, on the Council’s response to the surface water flooding that occurred in June 2016.

Resolved: (i) That the actions carried out by the Council in response to the surface water flood event in June 2016 as set out in paragraphs 6-15 of the Officer’s report be noted.

                (ii) That the future actions planned as set out at Paragraphs 16-18 of the Officer’s report be agreed.

 (iii)  That Officers prepare the business case for a major capital investment project to the Executive for the delivery of significant improvements to the council operated drainage systems to form part of the Budget Process for the 2017/18 budget.

(iv)  That Officers review the enforcement process for building materials which end up blocking gulleys, and that there is a clear reporting system publicised to help prevent this from happening.

Reason:        To improve the management of York’s gulley assets and reduce the risk of future flooding.

Consideration was given to a report on the Council’s response to the surface water flooding that occurred in June 2016.

A written representation had been received from Councillor Richardson. He commented on the report’s findings and commended the cleaning programme and asset register but felt further future investment may be needed in priority areas.

The Executive Member wished to record his thanks to council teams who responded to requests for assistance from residents in the floods and subsequent rainfall events. He stated that it was important for the public to use social media to publicise the event, but it was more preferable for the incident to be reported to the Council before arriving at a critical stage.

Officers reported that:

·        It was important to remind Yorkshire Water of critical pipes.

·        A new customer relationship management system was in development which would allow for people to raise a query against a particular gulley that was blocked.

The Executive Member stated that it was important for people to report to the Council when building materials blocked drains and gulleys.

Resolved: (i) That the actions carried out by the Council in response to the surface water flood event in June 2016 as set out in paragraphs 6-15 of the Officer’s be noted.

                (ii) That the future actions at Paragraphs 16-18 of the Officer’s report be agreed.

 (iii)  That Officers prepare the business case for a major capital investment project to the Executive for the delivery of significant improvements to the council operated drainage systems to form part of the Budget Process for the 2017/18 budget.

(iv)  That Officers review the enforcement process for building materials which end up blocking gulleys, and that there is a clear reporting system publicised to help prevent this from happening.

Reason:        To improve the management of York’s gulley assets and reduce the risk of future flooding.