South Holland District Council is one of 15 authorities that has agreed to be part of a new group aiming to pressure the government on the cost of dealing with drainage.
All of the councils have drainage boards which they have to give some of their share of the council tax to.
“It’s one of our biggest financial pressures,” Coun Nick Worth told South Holland District Council, as Coun Paul Redgate was nominated to be the authority’s representative on the group. “Last year we got a one-off payment but that doesn’t guarantee anything in the future.
“We’ve got together with the 15 other councils affected by drainage budgets, many of which are around this area.
“We’ve formed a special interest group with the Local Government Association that’s been accepted.
“It’s to directly lobby government on drainage issues.
“It’s a really good opportunity to strengthen our position.
“Christine Marshall, deputy chief executive, and her team put in a massive effort however she would say the team she was dealing with in government before have all changed and she has to deal with all new people.
“It’s important we focus on it and continue to put our case to government.”
Coun Chris Brewis said: “It should be very simple to rectify.
“Just make it so they’re part of those who earn a precept.
“I 100 per cent support Coun Redgate for membership of the group.”
