EA restructuring during coming year

[boatone]

I have received the following Strategic Reviews Response Programme statement from the EA

The Environment Agency is reviewing how we will deliver the best environmental outcomes over the next five years with the funding available to us. To achieve this, we are looking at how we can adapt our organisational structures and improve our ways of working further.

Over the next 12 months we are looking at reducing our overall size and moving from a three tier business model (national, region and area) to a two tier structure (national and area). We will do more things nationally once whilst retaining our strong engagement with local communities, through delivery at area level. Simplifying our structures in this way will help us to maximise every pound we spend on people and the environment and create a better place for generations to come.

With the help and support of our staff and trade unions, we are looking at proposals for change which will improve our ability to operate efficiently and effectively, now and in the future.

We are developing a timetable which includes consultation with our staff, trade unions and engaging with our partners and stakeholders. When we know more about how this work could affect navigation, we will of course let you know so we can discuss any possible impacts on the service we provide.

The emboldenment of the last sentence is mine and suggests that we need to watch this space!

(The story has also been published in River Thames News - http://www.riverthamesnews.com/News296.html )

The stakeholders mentioned in the final paragraph include the user representative organisations e.g. the TMBA and the ATYC amongst others so, whichever you belong to, please make sure you support them.

 

[apollo]

the hatchet man is sharpening his tool...

 

[Brayman]

I assume this is the EA as a whole and not just Navigation, so all management of the little streams and rivers that criss-cross the country will be considered - Good Luck with that!

 

[boatone]

I assume this is the EA as a whole and not just Navigation, so all management of the little streams and rivers that criss-cross the country will be considered - Good Luck with that!

It is indeed the whole EA that is being reviewed. I believe there was some possibility of the EA being abolished entirely and its functions brought under the direct control of DEFRA but they seem to have escaped that - at least for now!

Anyone who was adamant that the Thames and other EA navigations should not be transferred into the C&RT may have reason to reconsider their views - time will tell but, either way. I get the feeling that there is worse yet to come

 

[Wavey]

No mention of reviewing how additional income could be raised to support the Thames then.

 

[boatone]

No mention of reviewing how additional income could be raised to support the Thames then.

No, nor do expect there to be. The constraints placed on the EA by Treasury rules make it extremely difficult for them to explore new avenues for funding.
The only income that we can expect to be directed towards maintaing navigation is the income form licence fees and about 20% of that is top sliced to contribute to EA overheads. As I understand it, any income from water extraction, hydropower etc goes elsewhere rather than directly back to the river.
According to the EA direct revenue income only contributes about 25% of the cost of running and maintaining the river with the other 75% coming from Grant in Aid.