Decision details

Agreed for the revised funding applications for (i) the Environment Agency Grant in Aid for funding of £415,274 and (ii) the Flood and Coastal Committee Levy for funding of £340,000.

On 9 August 2024, Environment Executive Members approved applying for Environment Agency Grant in Aid (GiA) funding and Flood and Coastal Committee Local Levy funding to support the Upper Dales Flood Alleviation Schemes, including Leyburn. Following the Environment Agency’s annual refresh, funding allocations for 2025/26 were reduced. The Leyburn schemes did not receive GiA funding, and North Yorkshire Council did not pursue Local Levy bids, placing the schemes on hold.
In October 2025, DEFRA announced a new flood funding policy, with application guidance issued on 5 March 2026. On 13 April 2026, the Environment Agency published Allocation and Prioritisation Guidance for schemes scheduled for delivery in 2027/28. Under this guidance, the Leyburn scheme is eligible for GiA and Local Levy funding in 2027/28, with a submission deadline of 19 May 2026.

The proposed option seeks to maximise NYC’s eligibility for funding ensuring we deliver the highest standard or protection and quality workmanship whilst maintaining NYCs previously approved contribution to the scheme.
Alternative options that have been discounted are to continue the scheme without GiA and Local Levy funding, which would put significant pressure on the Flood Risk Management Capital Programme. It would also mean that NYC is pro-actively pursuing funding that it is eligible for and not claiming money already paid through Local Levy to support local communities in North Yorkshire.