Agenda item

The Chairman introduced Cllr David Hitchiner, the Leader of Herefordshire Council, and Paul Walker, the Chief Executive of Herefordshire Council who gave a presentation outlining the impact and response to phosphate pollution in the River Lugg and River Wye catchment. Water pollution had been impacting housing delivery and the local economy.

Following the presentation, Members made the following comments:

·        Representatives from Cornwall, West Sussex, and Horsham echoed the concerns raised from the presentation and outlined their own local concerns with water pollution and water extraction, and the impact on housing delivery. 

·        Members expressed concerns that there was a lack of guidance from government on how to address the issue.

·        It was suggested that LGA officers feed into Ofwat’s forward plan to help bring forward investment in infrastructure needed to reduce nutrient pollution from wastewater.

·        Members commented that both nature-based solutions and long-term solutions such as changes to agricultural practices and water treatment infrastructure should be implemented.

·        It was suggested that the LGA put together a commission to work with relevant bodies in water neutrality

·        It was noted that there was a taskforce which included DEFRA, Natural England, Environmental Agency and DLUHC but seemed to not include any local government representation. Members expressed that they would like the opportunity to be part of taskforces such as this to voice concerns and to help determine solutions.

The Chairman introduced Hilary Tanner, Adviser, who informed Members that it was anticipated that more councils would be impacted by this problem as it remains under review by Natural England,  and as climate change will continue to have an impact on fragile natural environments.

The Chairman thanked the Cllr David Hitchiner and Paul Walker for their presentation and others in attendance for the discussion.

Actions:

·        Officers to consider comments and feedback from Members on the report

·        Officers to take forward plans to have the LGA sitting on relevant working groups and consider starting a commission to work with other relevant bodies

Decision:

The Environment, Economy, Housing & Transport Board noted the issues raised in the report and provided feedback on next steps.