URL: https://edemocracy.northyorks.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6947

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To seek approval to: 1. apply for 100% grant funding of £7,147,000 + 10% contingency (£714,000) from Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGIA) administered by the Environment Agency to continue the North East Coastal Monitoring Programme into its 4th phase of delivery through the NYC lead North East Coastal Observatory; 2. if approval is granted and upon award of grant, Executive is asked to accept the funding or delegate authority to accept the award to the Executive Member – Highways and Transportation under the terms and conditions provided 3. notify the Authority that this grant application forms part of joint national funding business case to be developed on behalf of the Coastal Groups of England and undertaken by the lead partners of the National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes of England, of which NYC is one. The wider national business case combined value is c.£77million + (additional Risk allowance at the 95th %ile).

Content: Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Environment in which approval was sought to apply for grant funding from Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA) administered by the Environment Agency to continue the North East Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme (NERCMP).  The grant application formed part of a joint national funding business case developed on behalf of the Coastal Groups of England and undertaken by the lead partners of the National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes of England, one which NYC was one.   The Executive Member for Highways and Transportation stated that NYC was the lead local authority for NERCMP and the funding covered 100% of all costs, which included data collection and analysis.  The Corporate Director, Karl Battersby, confirmed that this was the 4th phase of the programme and NYC was responsible for the co-ordination of assessment and monitoring of the coastal environment.   Resolved (unanimously)   That Executive:          i.         agrees to the Council submitting a bid for £7,147,000 + 10% contingency of £714,000 for Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA) administered by the Environment Agency to continue the delivery of the North East Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme into its 4th phase through the North East Coastal Observatory        ii.         delegate acceptance of the grant if awarded, subject to acceptable terms and conditions, to the Corporate Director Resources in consultation with the Corporate Director - Environment, Executive Member for Finance (Deputy Leader) and the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation.   Reasons for recommendations   As a Risk Management Authority, North Yorkshire Council, under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, is required to act in a manner that is consistent with the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England and work collaboratively with other RMAs. Undertaking the role of lead Authority for the North East monitoring region allows the Council to do this.   Being the Lead Authority allows the Council to steer and shape the monitoring programme to collect and analyse data that creates the greatest benefits and outcomes to meet local demand both along the North Yorkshire frontage and wider North East region.   The project is 100% grant aid funded and recommended by the adopted Shoreline Management Plan and local coastal strategies. The National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes is a long established and is a priority project programme for the funder the Environment Agency, DEFRA and the client, the North East Coastal Group. Should approval be given, and grant awarded, North Yorkshire Council will continue to a leader in its field and a centre of excellence of coastal management and monitoring both nationally and internationally.   Alternative options considered   There are no feasible alternative options to consider other than to apply for the 100% grant funding or not as the lead partner for the NE Region. This is nationally strategic and important priority project that will be delivered with or without NYC involvement, subject to funding.   North Yorkshire Council is the current lead Authority for the delivery of the North East Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme through the inhouse North East Coastal Observatory. Due to the specialised skills, knowledge and understanding of the North East Coastal Observatory team, NYC remains the lead Authority within the new National Monitoring Programme business case. Being the lead Authority allows us to shape and steer the monitoring programme to deliver the data required by local and regional coastal managers, responsible bodies and our communities.  

Date of Decision: March 31, 2026