I have recently retired from the local Board after holding a middle management position for several years which followed thirty years in the Police Service at senior rank.

I am convinced that the 'Internal Drainage Board' ,of which there are possibly a hundred + throughout the Country, are a serious drain on Local Authority resourses.Their history dates back hundreds of years and they have become totally outdated. The subject of flooding is serious and emotive but I believe the savings to be made would warrant their abolition.

As the system stands, it is true to say that any flood prevention improvements and maintenance work is the responsibility of and is carried out by the Environment Agency. Any highway drainage improvements and maintenance is the responsibility of and is carried out either by the Highways Agency or the appropraite Local Authority. In practice, this means that approx. 90% of the tasks carried out by Drainage Boards amounts to 'grass cutting' and de-silting' of 'reens ' or small watercourses which in the great scheme of things has no real detrimental effect on life or property.  When you consider their incoming annual finances, they obtain Drainage rates from landowners and impose a 'precept' on each Local Authority within their catchment area. The sums involved can be in millions of pounds. In the case of my local board they have some £600,000.00 held on bank deposit which I was always told was 'for a rainy day'. Well, It's true to say that Mr. Brown has left this Country in the middle of a downpour!

I am of the view that if the situation in relation to flooding, looked at from a National aspect, is managed in a modern effective way the savings would be immense which of course would be ongoing year on year.

My suggestion would need to be taken on board by the appropraite Minister who, after a short period of consultation, would have the senior management and resourses of the Environment Agency to implement the logistics.There would obviously be an outcry from 'The Association of Drainage Authorithies' and individual Boards which would be normal but I know that Board members have a very comfortable life - 'thank you very much'. I have no intention to be sarcarstic but each Board usually meets every month or quarter when 2/3 of those present have no real idea what is going on. No Board members receive any direct payment apart from a small recompense to the Chairman but it is considered a perk to be a Board member because of the regular site inspections and visits which always culminate with a full meal and open bar!

I suggest:-

1. Board Managers and Clerks would become redundant.

2. Some manual operatives would be transferred to the Environment Agency if required and the remainder be made redundant.

3. All Plant and Equipment could be disposed of if not required by the E.A.

4. The grasscutting and desilting maintenance presently carried out by Boards would become the responsibility of individual landowners. This aspect could be 'sold' because landowners would no longer be liable for 'Drainage Rates' and the maintenance work they carry out could be made tax deductable.   

5. Any present administrative buildings and land throughout the Country which would become surplus, could be sold (this could be quite substantial).

6. The need to undertake essential maintenance work by landowners would be policed by the E.A. who have the necessary powers to direct at present.

7.  Most landowners and some small farmers, who would not have the resourses to purchace any equipment necessary for maintenance, would be able to secure the services of local contractors which would expand the 'private industry' in this direction.