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- Attendees
- 1. Review of May Minutes
- 2. Update on Forum for the Future — Business Sector Engagement Strategy
- 3. Discussion on Local Authorities and the Adaptation Reporting Powers (ARP) — Feedback to Defra
- 4. Recommendations to Feedback to the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Climate Partnerships
- 5. Any Other Business (AOB)
Attendees
- Mark Rice Environment Agency (Chair)
- Emily Reed Devon Climate Emergency Secretariat
- Doug Eltham Devon County Council (Environment)
- William Jackson-Nichols Devon Climate Emergency Secretariat
- Richard Sweatman Local Resilience Forum
- Deborah Jones Public Health Devon
- Tom Dauben Environment Agency
- Amy Brett-Schneider Exeter City Council
- Paul Minshull Cornwall Council
- Rebecca Williams Council of the Isles of Scilly
- Claire Below Cornwall Council
- Sara Gibbs Public Health Devon
- Emily Widdecombe Westcountry Rivers Trust
- Louise Sawyer Devon and Cornwall Police
1. Review of May Minutes
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and accepted without amendments.
Mark Rice said he would share a water resources report link detailing reservoir and river levels, which he did later in the meeting.
ACTION: Emily Reed to follow up with Julie at Network Rail regarding the Devon Adaptation Pathways Workshop date.
2. Update on Forum for the Future — Business Sector Engagement Strategy
Emily Reed provided an update on the Forum for the Future’s work:
Approximately 10 interviews have been conducted with stakeholders including:
- Environment Agency
- Business in the Community
- South West Infrastructure Partnership
- Cornwall Fire and Rescue
- South West Water
- Devon Local Authority (Economy Team)
- Local Resilience Forum
- Emera Caribbean
- South West Business Council
Still seeking input from the insurance sector.
A draft report is expected by 11 July.
Stakeholders interviewed expressed strong interest in receiving the final report.
The report is anticipated to have regional and national relevance.
ACTION: Emily Reed to circulate the draft report to the group upon receipt.
ACTION: Group members to review and provide comments on the draft report once shared.
3. Discussion on Local Authorities and the Adaptation Reporting Powers (ARP) — Feedback to Defra
Emily Reed introduced the topic, referencing discussions from the Local Authority Adaptation Panel.
The group discussed the potential expansion of ARP to include all local authorities.
Key points raised:
- Claire Below emphasised that reporting should be of use to local authorities, not just a burden.
- Sara Gibbs supported the idea, emphasising the need for support and alignment with public health and CCC priorities.
- Paul Minshull raised concerns about resource demands and questioned the purpose and audience of such reports.
- Doug Eltham referenced past indicators (e.g., NI188) and supported a light-touch, tier-appropriate approach.
- Consensus: support for ARP expansion if accompanied by clear guidance, purpose, and resourcing.
ACTION: Emily Reed to feedback the group’s views to the Local Authority Adaptation Panel and Defra.
4. Recommendations to Feedback to the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Climate Partnerships
Water Resources Report:
- Recommended that the partnerships note the current water situation.
Flood Risk Management Funding Consultation:
- Discussed changes to Defra’s partnership funding rules:
- Projects under £3M may receive 100% funding.
- Projects over £3M may receive 90% funding.
- Concerns raised about competitiveness and rural community disadvantage.
- Issues with EA participation in natural flood management projects under new rules.
- Agreed to encourage responses to the consultation (closing 29 July).
- Proposal to submit a joint regional response:
- Emily Reed to coordinate.
- Members to share key points or draft responses by 16 July.
- EA staff (e.g., Tom Dauben) to contribute informally via partners.
Adaptation Reporting:
- Suggested flagging the likely expansion of ARP to local authorities.
Lobbying and Unified Voice:
- Paul Minshull emphasised the need for collective regional responses to national consultations.
- Group agreed to explore submitting joint evidence to Westminster committees.
ACTION: Emily Reed to coordinate a joint response to the Defra consultation.
ACTION: Group members to send key points or draft responses to Emily by 16 July.
ACTION: Tom Dauben to share informal input via partners (e.g., Cornwall Council).
ACTION: Emily to liaise with Devon flood team to confirm their response plans.
5. Any Other Business (AOB)
New Members:
- Christy Barkley (Natural England) and Nick Paling (Bioregional Learning Centre) approved to join the group.
Transform AR Project (WRT):
- Emily Widdecombe invited members to attend a consortium meeting in Brussels (10–11 September).
- Two funded places available; case study details to be shared.
- Emily Reed can put you in touch with Giles at WRT if you are interested.
Cornwall Community Flood Forum Conference:
- Richard Sweatman invited suggestions for a speaker.
National Security Strategy:
- Richard noted climate change was included in recent national security documents.
Historic Coastal Landfill Sites:
- Paul Minshull shared that he sits on a national working group.
Funding Opportunities:
- Emily Reed shared several funding links in the chat.
- Tom Dauben mentioned Exeter University exploring a Horizon bid focused on Kingsbridge.
ACTION: Emily Widdecombe to share case study details and contact info for follow-up on Brussels trip.
ACTION: Emily Reed to circulate funding opportunities as they arise and coordinate interest in joint bids.
