Rutland Residents Seek Answers and Action After Devastating Floods, a special council meeting was held on January 18th 2024: Video

Rutland Residents Seek Answers and Action After Devastating Floods

Storm Henk's wrath brought widespread flooding to Rutland in early January, leaving residents reeling and questioning the county council's preparedness.

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Leader of the Conservative Group

In response to the rising tide of public concern, a special council meeting was held on January 18th, called for by Conservative group councillor and former council leader Lucy Stephenson. The meeting provided a platform for residents to voice their anxieties and demand accountability from the council.

A History of Floods and Unanswered Questions

Stephenson highlighted the devastating impact of Storm Henk, which caused significant damage to homes and disrupted travel across the county for days. She emphasised that this wasn't an isolated incident, as Storm Babet in October 2023 had also caused widespread flooding.

Residents expressed frustration with the lack of clarity regarding the council's response to these events. Stephenson raised several crucial questions:

What actions were taken after Storm Babet, and were lessons learned effectively applied to Storm Henk?

What was the timeline of actions taken on January 2nd, including communication efforts?

What mechanisms are in place to ensure effective flood prevention strategies and their implementation?

What are the roles and responsibilities of various agencies involved in flood management, including the council, Environment Agency, emergency services, and local residents?

Residents Demand Action and Scrutiny

The meeting resonated with residents, many of whom believe blocked drains and poor maintenance of waterways contributed significantly to the flooding. They called for a thorough investigation into the council's handling of the situation and demanded concrete steps towards improved flood prevention measures.

Council Agrees to Scrutiny and Investigation

In response to the public outcry and Stephenson's proposal, the council agreed to request the Strategic Overview and Scrutiny Committee to investigate the matters raised. This investigation will complement, not duplicate, the ongoing Section 19 investigation into the council's actions.

A Path Forward: Transparency, Accountability, and Action

The special council meeting served as a crucial step towards addressing the concerns of Rutland residents. The upcoming investigations and scrutiny process offer a chance for transparency and accountability. Ultimately, residents hope that these efforts will lead to tangible actions to prevent future flooding and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Councillor Christine Wise Liberal Democrat, 

Portfolio Holder for Transport, Environment and Communities.  

Councillor Christine Wise Liberal Democrat, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Environment and Communities, answered almost all the public questions often referring the questioner to a previous answer, the section 19 investigation. 

Councillor Gale Waller, 

Liberal Democrat and Green Group, 

leader of the council

Rutland County Council, Leader's statement following Special Council Meeting on flooding

“Storm Henk led to the worst flooding in Rutland for over a generation. Our officers have worked tirelessly to mount a response, within the existing policies of the Council, and we are continuing to provide help and support to people who’ve been affected. We are also lobbying national government to release extra funding for flood-hit areas.

“Tonight’s Special Meeting has given Councillors and residents a chance to discuss the issue of flooding and I would like to thank all those who took the time to read questions and deputations. 

“It’s clear that severe weather incidents like Storm Henk and Storm Babet are becoming more common and having a bigger impact on communities. While the previous Council declared a Climate Crisis in 2021, this has not been matched with sufficient resources, until now. Our new Administration has made this a priority and set money aside in its first budget to achieve meaningful objectives in response to climate change.

“A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment was completed in October of last year and will help to inform a review of the Council’s current Flood Risk Management Strategy. Our new strategy will be developed in consultation with residents and key stakeholders and will need to reflect the growing risk of flooding to homes and business premises in the County – not just the kind of surface water flooding we’ve seen in the past.

“We have also taken steps to commission a detailed investigation into the causes and circumstances of this month’s flooding. This is a thorough process which can take significant time, as we know from other councils who’ve carried out the same kind of review. Once complete, it will provide firm recommendations for all those who have responsibility for managing and responding to local flooding.”

Councillor Gale Waller, Leader of Rutland County Council 19th January 2024

Rutland County Council special council meeting held on January 18th 2024, 

Video Councillor Gale Waller speaking.

 

Rutland County Council special council meeting held on January 18th 2024, 

Full Video Part One

Rutland County Council special council meeting held on January 18th 2024, 

Full Video Part Two

SPECIAL, Council - Thursday, 18th January, 2024 7.00 pm

1.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2.	CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
3.	ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE LEADER, MEMBERS OF THE CABINET OR THE HEAD OF PAID SERVICE
4.	DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST In accordance with the Regulations, Members are invited to declare any disclosable interests under the Code of Conduct and the nature of those interests in respect of items on this Agenda and/or indicate if Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.
5.	PETITIONS, DEPUTATIONS AND QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC  PDF 132 KB To receive any petitions, deputations or questions received from members of the public in accordance with the provisions of Procedures Rule 25 and 26. The total time allowed for this is 30 minutes.  Petitions, deputations and questions will be dealt with in the order in which they are received and any which are not considered within the time limit shall receive a written response after the meeting.   As this is a Special Meeting of the Council any petitions, deputations and questions must relate to item on the agenda in accordance with Procedure Rule 21. Questions and notice of deputations must be received by midday on Monday, 15 January.
6.	QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL  PDF 73 KB To receive any questions submitted from Members of the Council in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rules 27 and 28. As this is a Special Meeting of the Council any questions must relate to item on the agenda in accordance with Procedure Rule 21. Questions must be received by midday on Monday, 15 January.
7.	FLOODING IN RUTLAND  PDF 90 KB To receive a report from Councillor L Stephenson.
8.	DATE OF NEXT MEETING Monday, 26 February 2023