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30/3/2020 – RBWM Press Release

An update from the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead on its participation in the River Thames Scheme

Published: Monday, 30th March 2020

A spokeswoman from the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead said:

“We and the River Thames Scheme are committed to seeing the fruition of the whole of the scheme and we are pleased that the outline business case (OBC) will continue to feature the Berkshire section of the scheme.

“Currently, funding for the Berkshire scheme has not be resolved but we will continue to work with the River Thames Scheme to identify funding for this part of the scheme in the future.”

Notes to editors:

The River Thames Scheme, which is currently estimated to cost £475 million, would see the introduction of three new flood channels in three areas from Datchet to Teddington. £250 million of funding has been secured but there is a funding shortfall. The Royal Borough committed £10 million to the scheme, but has always made clear additional funding for the Berkshire section estimated to be around £43 million, would need to be sought.

Link to source RBWM Press Release 30-3-2020


19/3/2020 – So what’s the problem?

The River Thames Scheme project has been delayed for many years due to a partnership funding shortfall.

Under current arrangements the Government expects a significant proportion of the cost of flood alleviation schemes to be funded locally.

Councils and businesses contribute towards the project cost and the process is labelled ‘partnership funding’.

The sticking point here is that there are insufficient funding arrangements in place. 

Consequently the project does not proceed beyond the planning stage until it is fully funded in terms of both Government and partnership contributions.


18/3/2020  NEWS  –  Email to the Environment Agency (and cc’d to others)

Good afternoon

For the record I was informed today that apparently there are some RTS Channel 1 partnership funding issues.  As a matter of urgency would someone kindly let me know precisely what those problems are please?

Thank you

Ewan Larcombe


 

External link to Surrey live source

Local link to River Thames Scheme Funding Doubts – November 2019


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