Available budget from DEFRA committed

Environment and Health
Maltings House
Gorleston
Thu 16th Feb 2006

Dear Resident

This letter is intended to expand on an item which many of you may have read recently in the Great Yarmouth Mercury relating to Government (DEFRA) funding for Coast Protection Schemes. The Council has been informed that that the overall allocation for Local Authority Schemes in 2006-7 is £74.4 million, £19 million more than the estimate for the previous year. In reality this means that the whole of the available budget from DEFRA has been committed, no priority score thresholds are being published and hence no further schemes are being accepted for funding. DEFRA have also confirmed that the threshold scores will not be issued for 2007-8 and 2008-9, meaning it is unlikely that any funding will be available until at least 2010.

This situation is obviously of concern but is one that is outside the control of the Council.

You will be aware that we were about to contract Halcrow to put together a proposal for further public consultations following recent discussions with the Lincoln office of DEFRA. This involved substantial repair to the sea wall with a programme of beach sand monitoring. In the circumstances we will be carrying out some further sea wall investigations so we are better informed of its structural stability etc to enable us to be prepared if an opportunity for funding does occur.

Please be assured we will carry out any necessary immediate actions to maintain public safety should there be damageto the sea wall, obviously without the benefit of the Coast Protection funding it will be "piece-meal" and "fit for purpose" only. I appreciate this letter gives you information on circumstances none of us would wish. I know Members are making representations to DEFRA to have funding restored as soon as possible.

If you wish to discuss or clarify any of the points covered in this letter I am normally available each day until 10:00 am, after which time I shall be carrying out visits and enforcement duties on-site away from the office. You may telephone on 01493 856100 and leave a message for me with the Council's Customer Services Team. I will make contact with you at my earliest opportunity.

Yours sincerely

John Hemsworth

Head of Environment and Health