Outside body

Fifteen local authorities disadvantaged by the current funding mechanism to support the vital work of Internal Drainage Boards have successfully joined together to request a sustainable solution from Government.

The District Councils have formed a Local Government Association Special Interest Group (SIG) which aims to secure a revised approach from the Government to the current funding method which has left the councils disproportionately impacted and, in some cases, financially precarious.

Internal Drainage Boards manage water levels and reduce the risk from flooding in areas where special flood management measures are needed Their work is essential for keeping communities safe and we would be lost without them. The SIG aims to showcase the essential service IDBs provide while it campaigns for a better method for IDBs to get the funds they require.

All the councils in the SIG are currently required to pay a Special Levy to fund the Internal Drainage Boards for their Council area. The levy varies from year to year and the Councils have no control over the sum. Historically, IDBs raised the levy directly from local ratepayers and, for efficiency from the 1970s onwards, the collecting of the rates was passed to local councils who then transferred them on the IDBs.

The levy is paid from the funds collected through Council Tax, meaning less money is then available to fund statutory services the Council must provide to taxpayers.  In some cases, services are being cut to fund the levy..