(Key decision):
(1) To approve the strategic approach presented and agreed as follows:
a. To continue to provide governance, support and resource to the Natural Flood Management (NFM) programme beyond the current end date of March 2023 and to delegate authority to the Director of Service Delivery in consultation with the Cabinet member for recycling, waste and open spaces to negotiate the terms of and enter into any necessary agreements to facilitate this provision.
b. To build upon the NFM approach (as outlined in the report) and support inter-linked projects with partners and stakeholders such as habitat restoration and nature recovery in the Ouse catchment.
(2) To endorse the approach set out at Appendix 1 ‘Lewes District Council (LDC) Briefing: Natural Flood Management within the Ouse and Eastern Adur catchment’ and Appendix 2 ‘Wilder Ouse, Vision & Targets’.
(3) To approve a waiver to the Contract Procedure Rules (CPR) as set out in paragraph 2.4.1 (a) of the CPR to enable the Council to enter into agreements with partners in relation to this strategic approach.