Uncertainty surrounds the funding of flood defence schemes in Dumfries and Galloway, according to a council report.
Councillors will be told on Thursday that since projects at the Whitesands, Langholm and Newton Stewart received initial approval they have been subject to “significant change in terms of project scope, timescales and costings”.
The report states: “Current indications are there remains significant uncertainty regarding the detail of these schemes and that it is not possible at this stage to provide members with a firm indication of project timescales and costings as part of the current updating of the capital investment strategy.”
In addition a Scottish Government review is taking place on all previously agreed flood defence schemes.
Finance officer Alan Gass’ report continues: “This review will include an assessment of the suitability to proceed of each of the projects taking into account concerns on the extent to which the cost of schemes across Scotland are now projected to exceed the initially agreed levels.
“While the timescale for the completion of this review remains uncertain, it is anticipated an update on the findings and recommendations will be made available imminently to support councils in their budget setting considerations.
“An update will be provided to members as soon as the findings from the national review are made available.”
Council leader Elaine Murray said the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and Holyrood were in discussions over funding last year.
Dr Murray said: “I don’t know anything about a Scottish Government review all I know is there were conversations between COSLA and the Scottish Government last summer about whether they’ve allocated sufficient funding for schemes.
“And that’s as far as I was aware of it unless there’s something coming out from the Scottish Government.
“It would have serious implications for all of the schemes if the money’s not there.
“There may be some concern because there’s not been anything more allocated within the budget I suppose.”
“It looks as if it wasn’t sufficiently allocated in the first place and they need to look into whether they can allocate more.”
