AN official authority to deal with the prevention and aftermath of flooding across Somerset has been set up to manage flood risk in the area as of 2015.

The Somerset Rivers Authority is to receive a total of £2.7 million to reduce the flood risk in the region and will be established by the end of January 2015. 

It is part of the 20 year flood Flood Action Plan which was developed at the request of the government in response to the exceptional floods last winter.

In a Memorandum of Understanding signed in London earlier this week, it was agreed that Defra will provide £1.9 million, Somerset County Council will provide £600,000 and partners Sedgemoor District Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, South Somerset District Council, Mendip District Council, West Somerset District Council and Somerset Consortium of Drainage Boards will provide £200,000 for the first year of funding.

Councillor Tim Taylor, Leader of West Somerset District Council said:

“Although West Somerset was not affected by the scale of flooding seen on the Levels and Moors, we fully support the establishment of the Somerset Rivers Authority as it will have a countywide remit.

“It is vital that we in Somerset speak with a united voice and lobby the Government to release the funds that we need to help solve the flooding issues throughout Somerset.

“Last winter’s floods were devastating for those directly affected on the Levels and Moors but we also suffered flooding in West Somerset.

“In addition, the incorrect assumption that Somerset was closed for business hit our West Somerset economy and so affected us all.”

Member of Parliament for Bridgwater and West Somerset Ian Liddell-Grainger has high hopes for the authority.

He said: “This is a historical milestone and this authority is the first of its kind.

“It means that dealing with flood defences is given back to the people, and now there is an authority that must take the responsibility.”

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss, said: “Last winter’s floods were unprecedented, and we experienced the wettest winter in 200 years, which took its toll on flood prone communities such as Somerset.

“We have worked hard to protect Somerset from future flooding and to get those affected last winter back on their feet.”

A review will be carried out to identify a long-term, local funding solution from 2016/17.