A SOMERSET Flood Action Plan meeting has agreed to take proposals for a Somerset Rivers Board (SRB) to a meeting with the Secretary of State in early July.

The SRB will be a way for local partners to take more responsibility for flood risk and water management across the County.

Proposals being considered include an appropriate catchment-wide funding mechanism to generate additional funds.

The meeting of the Leaders Implementation Group on Friday, which includes representatives from all of the agencies involved in delivering the Flood Action Plan, agreed proposals need to be brought forward with “some urgency”.

County Councillor John Osman, chair of the group and county council leader, said: “The Somerset Rivers Board can play a key role as part of this comprehensive programme.

“The intention is that initial proposals are available for discussion with the Secretary of State on his next visit to Somerset in early July.”