This issue was covered at this weeks Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board and I was present as cabinet member for this area. The full report can be read here: https://democracy.solihull.gov.uk/documents/s133702/Flood%20Risk%20Management%20Scrutiny%20Report.pdf
The scrutiny board were reminded about the major flood events from 2018 and 2021 and the council’s duties that it has to fulfil
• Investigating flooding incidents • Developing, maintaining and applying a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy • Co-operating with flood risk management authorities, such as the EA. • Maintaining a flood risk asset register • Granting consent for third-party works on ordinary watercourses • Ensuring new developments do not increase local flood risk • Acting as a statutory consultee for surface water drainage proposals on major planning applications • Acting consistently with national flood and coastal erosion management strategies.
The report also focusses on the emptying of gulleys (drains) and the risk based approach we trialled year, with gulleys in the more at risk areas being cleared every six months, with others being undertaken annually or bi-annually.
Paragraph 3.5 of the report shows the number of gullies emptied in recent years:
2022/23 36,041
2023/24 31,082
2024/25 40,051
2025/26 49,082
Want to report a blocked gully/drain?
Through the online portal at Solihull Report-It the public can send reports of blocked gullies directly to the tankers team.
Ken Hawkins 