Northumbria Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC)
The Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) is a committee established by the Environment Agency under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 that brings together members appointed by Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) and independent members with relevant experience for 3 purposes:
- to ensure there are coherent plans for identifying, communicating and managing flood and coastal erosion risks across catchments and shorelines
- to encourage efficient, targeted and risk-based investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management that represents value for money and benefits local communities
- to provide a link between the Environment Agency, LLFAs, other risk management authorities, and other relevant bodies to build understanding of flood and coastal erosion risks in its area
Map
Dates of next meetings
- 23 October 2025
- 22 January 2026
Members of the public and press are welcome to attend as observers. To attend a meeting or request copies of agendas and papers contact the Committee Secretariat at nrfcc@environment-agency.gov.uk
Papers
If you would like a copy of the most recent agenda and/or papers, then please contact nrfcc@environment-agency.gov.uk
Vacancies
We currently have 2 vacancies available. If you are interested in joining the RFCC, you can find more about our vacancies on our recruitment website.
Committee members
| Member | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Phil Rothwell (Chair) | Defra appointed |
| James Copeland | Environment Agency appointee |
| Hugh Clear Hill | Environment Agency appointee |
| TBC | Environment Agency appointee |
| John Owen | Environment Agency appointee |
| Suzana Ilic | Environment Agency appointee |
| Richard Woodhouse | Environment Agency appointee |
| Councillor Richard Wearmouth | Northumberland County Council |
| Councillor Karen Allison | Durham County Council |
| Councillor Juna Sathian | Newcastle City Council |
| Councillor John McElroy | Gateshead Council |
| Councillor Matthew Snedker | Darlington Borough Council |
| Councillor Ernest Gibson | South Tyneside Council |
| Councillor John Harrison | North Tyneside Council |
| Councillor Lindsey Leonard | Sunderland City Council |
| Councillor Amanda Napper | Hartlepool Borough Council |
| Councillor Carl Quartermain | Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council |
| Councillor Nigel Cooke | Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council |
| Councillor Peter Gavigan | Middlesbrough Council |