·         To update Members on the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme;

·         To request approval to revise Oxford City Councils’ project contribution;

·         To request delegated authority to Executive Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Heads of Financial Services and Law and Governance, to be able to enter a funding agreement with Environment Agency.

The Executive Director Community Services submitted a report which sought authority to enter into an agreement with the Environment Agency in regard to funding the Oxford and Abingdon Flood Alleviation Scheme, and to seek project approval for the scheme.

The Executive Board Member, Corporate Strategy and Economic Development presented the report.  He confirmed that there was already budget provision; that the scheme was due to start in 2018, subject to further evaluation by the Treasury and DEFRA; and that it was hoped that the preferred route would be identified by June 2016 and that this would then be subject to public consultation.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

1.           Authorise the Council’s entry into the proposed agreement with the Environment Agency, as described in this report, under which the Council would play an active role in the establishment of the business case of the Oxford and Abingdon flood alleviation scheme, and provide funding to a capped sum.

2.                 Grant project approval for the Council’s involvement in the Oxford and Abingdon flood alleviation scheme, as described in this report.