I’m pleased to introduce the ninth SRA annual report, for 2023-24. The report is available to read here. Alternatively, you can read the report online at SRA Annual Report 2023-24 – Somerset Rivers Authority.
In the report, you will find details of dozens of SRA-funded activities across Somerset between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024, all done to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding.
The SRA was launched as a partnership in January 2015 following the devastating flooding that hit Somerset over the winter of 2013-14 and the production of a 20 Year Flood Action Plan. We fund extra flood-related work over and above that which the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards, Wessex Water and other agencies are able to do.
A decade on, we have achieved a lot, but there is still much more to be done. 2023-24 showed climate change intensifying flooding problems across our county, and recent rains suggest another worryingly unpredictable winter to come. Summarised in the annual report is the SRA’s new Strategy for the next ten years. Our focus is now on whole river catchments, which we were unable to do before the advent of the unitary Somerset Council.
One pilot initiative being launched soon, which may be of particular interest to you, is a small grants scheme for local flood risk reduction measures. This scheme will be known as a Community Flood Action Fund, and grants will be disbursed from April 2025. We will be in touch with more details about how to apply in December.
In the meantime, I trust that you will find our latest annual report useful and informative.
Mike Stanton
Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority
Wootton Courtenay 