Councils have formed a Local Government Association Special Interest Group (SIG) which aims to secure a revised approach from the Government to the current funding method which has left the councils disproportionately impacted and, in some cases, financially precarious. 

Internal Drainage Boards manage water levels and reduce the risk from flooding in areas where special flood management measures are needed Their work is essential for keeping communities safe and we would be lost without them. The SIG aims to showcase the essential service IDBs provide while it campaigns for a better method for IDBs to get the funds they require.

All the councils in the SIG are currently required to pay a Special Levy to fund the Internal Drainage Boards for their Council area. The levy varies from year to year and the Councils have no control over the sum. Historically, IDBs raised the levy directly from local ratepayers and, for efficiency from the 1970s onwards, the collecting of the rates was passed to local councils who then transferred them on the IDBs.

The SIG contributes to a core priority of the LGA (promoting, improving and supporting local government) through the connection to the theme of a sustainable financial future.

This is through the work of the SIG to highlight the special levy as a cost pressure for councils and drawing out the impacts of this pressure to Central Government. In addition, the SIG is driving the work to seek a long-term solution to support the financial sustainability of affected councils.

ELDC Contacts:

James Gilbert james.gilbert@e-lindsey.gov.uk

Rebecca Cooke Rebecca.cooke@e-lindsey.gov.uk

Website for further information: Special Interest Groups | Local Government Association