·         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 for Sustainable City submitted a report which requested approval to increase Oxford City Council’s project contribution towards Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme by up to £1,000,000 funded from in-kind contributions in terms of land disposal and compensation values foregone.

Cllr Price, Board Member for Corporate Strategy and Economic Development presented the report. He explained that the proposed in-kind land contribution to the Environment Agency would bring the scheme closer to completion. The land doesn’t have a huge value for other purposes, it is mostly grazing land and there are small parts of the Redbridge and (extension of the) Seacourt Park n Rides included in the land contribution.  He said the scheme would reduce the flood risk to 1,500 properties.

Cllr Smith asked if there was a guarantee from the Environment Agency that the scheme would enhance the wildlife of the area. The Executive Director for Sustainable City said whilst the design would improve the wildlife of the area, the design no longer includes a cycling or public walkway as surrounding landowners had expressed concerns about allowing public access.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

1.    Approve the increase of Oxford City Council’s project contribution towards Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme by up to £1,000,000 funded from in-kind contributions from land disposal and compensation foregone; and

2.    Delegate authority to Executive Director for Sustainable City, in consultation with the Heads of Financial Services and Law and Governance, to be able to enter a funding agreement with Environment Agency.

3.    Note that a detailed report on proposed disposals to facilitate the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme and discounts proposed will be made to the City Executive Board in due course.