HOMES and businesses will be better protected from flooding following last weekend’s launch of a new organisation.

The Somerset Rivers Authority will identify what is needed and deliver a higher standard of flood protection, as well as enabling the various flood risk management groups to work together.

Defra is providing £1.9million, Somerset County Council £600,000 and Sedgemoor District Council, Taunton Deane Council, South Somerset District Council, Mendip District Council, West Somerset Council and Somerset Consortium of Drainage Boards a combined £200,000.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “The formation of the SRA is a milestone in protecting Somerset from future flooding.

“Last year, we experienced the wettest winter in 250 years and we have worked hard to get those affected back on their feet.

“We provided more than £20million to support the recovery in Somerset and asked local partners to develop a long-term action plan to improve flood protection.

“We have now committed £1.9m for the first year of funding for the SRA which will give local people real power to control and manage the flood risk in their area.”

Cllr John Osman, chairman of the Flood Action Plan Leaders Implementation Group and leader of Somerset County Council, said: “Establishing the Somerset Rivers Authority was one of the key Actions of the 20 Year Flood Action Plan, set up at the Government’s request to reduce the severity, duration and frequency of flooding like that experienced in 2013/14.

“By working together, partners in Somerset have already achieved a tremendous amount during this past year.

“Now the SRA will play a vital role in delivering higher standards of flood protection than would be funded nationally, as well as providing better flood protection and stronger resilience against further flooding.”

During its first year the SRA’s work will involve:

  • Co-ordinating partners’ current work and developing efficiencies for joint delivery during 2015/16 in a Common Works Programme;
  • Somerset’s Flood Risk Management Authorities coming together to plan a future joint work programme for 2016/17;
  • Undertaking an Enhanced Maintenance Programme for 2015/16 for flood risk management activity, including maintaining the 2014 dredge on the Parrett and Tone; 
  • Carrying on the work of the 20 Year Flood Action Plan;
  • Developing a long-term funding solution.