There will be programme delays to the NFM project as a result of COVID 19 restrictions. Following consultation with the Environment Agency it is recommended that contract payments to key delivery partners (funded by the EA grant for this scheme) will continue as normal to ensure these suppliers can recommence the delivery of the NFM projects as restrictions allow.

Specifically, the national NFM Programme Board have confirmed that the council should:
• proceed in making a final claim to the EA of £97,000, claiming part of the payment this quarter and making a subsequent claim later in the year, pending upon delivery outcomes.
• continue to pay invoices relating to services for our NFM project, including invoices from Severn Rivers Trust for their work on this project.
• proceed in extending the Contract of Services with the Wye and Usk Foundation, the detail of which will form part of a separate Record of Officer decision

This will provide support to our key delivery partners and contractors during the current COVID-19 emergency and will help enable them to recommence normal operations following removal of COVID-19 restrictions. This will in turn facilitate the successful delivery of our NFM project