Welsh Assembly Minister for Natural Resources Alun Davies has announced that the functions, assets and staff of the Powysland, Lower Wye and Caldicot and Wentlooge Levels Internal Drainage Boards (IDB) will transfer to Natural Resources Wales in 2015.
In a statement to Assembly Members the Minister said that the move would result in a more integrated approach, remove duplication and improve resilience and value for money.
Alun Davies said:
“This transfer will improve opportunities for a more integrated approach to the management of our natural resources in the Internal Drainage Districts. Not only that but it will remove duplication of organisational arrangements, and improve resilience and value for money."
“It will also ensure a long term solution to the many issues that the Wales Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee raised in relation to the Wentlooge and Calditcot Internal Drainage Board.”
Emyr Roberts, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales said:
“The management of these areas is important in terms of reducing flood risk to people and properties, as they include valuable agriculture land and a good habitat for wildlife. We look forward to working with Welsh Government to make sure the transfer of responsibilities is as straightforward as possible.”
In October 2012 a Wales Audit Report highlighted a series of irregularities at the Internal Drainage Board and found that it had misused public money and been badly managed.
Alun Davies said he would discuss the cross border issues for Powysland and Lower Wye with the Secretary of State for Defra. He also said he had asked officials to begin work to prepare the necessary orders and undertake due diligence on the pension arrangements and assets currently linked to the IDB, with a view to making the transfer in April, 2015.
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