CIRIA has released the results of a Scoping study to explore support for partnership funding in flood & coastal erosion risk management. You have to register to download the publication, but the key points are as follows.

In 2011, the UK Government announced a new approach to funding projects that would reduce flood and coastal erosion risks in England. The flood and coastal erosion resilience partnership funding policy was introduced to spread the cost between government funding and local funding partners (Defra, 2011). In 2014, the government allocated £2.3bn for a six-year capital programme to better protect 300 000 homes by 31 March 2021. This programme needed to attract at least 15 per cent (ie £345m) of partnership funding. However, to deliver the key 300 000 homes target, partnership funding of around £660m will be required.

This publication is the main output of a scoping study, funded by the Environment Agency and supported and advised by other stakeholders to assess the progress made by risk management authorities (RMAs) in England in securing partnership funding for flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) projects. The purpose of the study was to understand how practitioners in RMAs could be better supported with the partnership funding process.

The questionnaire was available to complete during the winter 2016–2017. It was primarily circulated to RMAs. In total there were 195 respondents with 45 per cent completing all questions. Useful commentary on some of the results was provided by the project steering group (PSG).

There is a good awareness of the partnership funding process, but RMAs have faced some challenges including:

• developing business cases for potential beneficiaries and funding partners
• aligning cost–benefits analyses and investment programmes with other organisations
• securing investments from the private sector
• completing legal agreements with multiple project partners and stakeholders.

The results of the questionnaire suggest RMAs need additional support and a blend of learning activities:

• 75 per cent of respondents requiring more support on partnership funding.
• 82 per cent of respondents favouring a community of practice (CoP) on partnership funding to provide support, with the preference for regional and local delivery.
• 73 per cent of respondents learning from the experiences of other RMAs and 64 per cent willing to provide advice indicating there was significant support for peer-to-peer learning and access to personal support and advice.

There was support for capacity building, which included a CoP, to provide inspiration and support through a series of case studies, briefing notes, peer-to-peer support, training, seminars and networking opportunities.

Respondents preferred local or regional support rather than a national approach, enabling RMAs to share local experiences and lessons.

Respondents suggested direct funding of a CoP would be the most desirable way to deliver the support services, although this will need further development. The requirement for direct funding could be gradually reduced as the CoP becomes more self-financing and blended with other income sources.