A rate of 16p was set.
The Clerk reminded Board members of the need to declare interests in any relevant matters.
The Electoral Register was approved.
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. The Clerk also reported on the recent publication of the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Strategy and Funding Documents.
The update from the Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Management Partnership was noted.
The Environmental Officer's report and BAP update was noted and approved.
The Environment Agency precept in the sum of £2,633 was reported.
The Board considered the report of their Consulting Engineer who reported on the maintenance work undertaken last year and proposed for this year. It was noted that the installation of a headwall at Waldersea Sidings to protect the entrance to a pipeline discussed last year had been successfully concluded. It was resolved to inspect the outfall from Rings End Pumping Station and undertake any necessary remedial works. The provision of telemetry at the stations was approved in principle.
The Engineer and the District Officers reported that the District system was in good order and on works to be undertaken over the coming months. The Board were happy to continue with the current flail mowing arrangements and noted incidents of fly tipping in and around District Drains and that Roundup might be removed from aquatic use in 2-3 years and agreed to await developments.
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.