The following rates were set: Area 1 – 1.0p, Area 2 – Nil, Area 3 – 25.0p, Area 4 – 25.0p
The Clerk reminded Board members of the need to declare interests in any relevant matters. Appropriate declarations were duly made.
The Board received update reports on the Spreading/Disposal of Spoil, Defra Grant-in-Aid and the Water Framework Directive.
The Board discussed the latest developments on the IDB Review and associated legal developments in particular the Public Bodies Bill. The Clerk referred to the continued need for vigilance, even though the most contentious elements of that Bill, so far as IDBs were concerned, had been removed. He referred to a Defra statement of £225,000 savings as regard IDBs due to the changes proposed under that Bill, without any supporting evidence yet published and to the implementation of the Flood and Water Management Act.
Mr Bowley gave an update on the Great Fen. Byelaw consents granted were noted, and the Board commented with regards to planning applications, that they were concerned that some developments were granted planning consent without proper arrangements for water disposal being in place.
The Board considered the report of their Consulting Engineers and approved for the weedscreen at Sawtry Roughs pumping station to be replaced and to discuss the available options with the engineer for the installation of telemetry equipment at their pumping stations.
The District Officer reported on last year's maintenance work and presented this year's intended programme, which was approved. His fee was to be raised in line with the Agricultural Wages Board %, as were those of the Pump Attendants.
The Environmental Officer's newsletter and report were noted and approved as was the report on the Board's Biodiversity Action Plan. The Board requested further guideance and assistance from the Environmental Officer in its work to meet the requirements of the plan.
The update from the Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Management Partnership was noted, and Cllr Allen reported further on the progress achieved.
The payments and accounts were approved and approval given to the Annual Governance Statement. The Board approved the report of their internal auditor, their Internal Audit Strategy and Plan and Risk Register and resolved that they were satisfied with the internal controls in place. The use of internet banking facilities was also authorised.
The precept figure of £5,571 was noted.