Homes and businesses across the UK will receive increased flood protection as the government unveils a record-breaking £2.65 billion investment in flood defences over two years. The funding, part of the government’s Plan for Change, aims to build new flood barriers while also maintaining and repairing existing defences.
The UK has experienced a rise in extreme weather events, leading to destruction in communities, damage to businesses, and billions in economic losses. "The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods," said Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed. "The role of any government is to protect its citizens. Under our Plan for Change, we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and maintain flood defences to protect lives, homes, and businesses from the dangers of flooding."
The Government’s investment not only aims to protect families but also seeks to bolster economic resilience by safeguarding businesses and jobs. Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell emphasized the urgency of the investment, stating, "The impact of flooding on our communities will only become greater as climate change brings more extreme weather, like Storms Bert, Conall, and Éowyn. With this new funding, we will work closely with the government to deliver the vital projects that are needed across the country, ensuring our investment goes to those communities who need it the most."
The announcements comes as the Floods Resilience Taskforce meets to explore further measures to protect the 6.3 million properties in England at risk from flooding and review responses to recent flood events.
The Government has earmarked funding for up to 1,000 flood defence projects nationwide. Among the notable schemes set to receive investment:
- Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Flood Defence Scheme in Somerset with £43 million.
- Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme "Our City Our River" with £35 million.
- Beales Corner project in Bewdley (West Midlands) with £2 million.
- Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill Flood Defences in Dorset with £3.5 million.
- Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire flood resilience schemes with £2.5 million.
In addition to these projects, major maintenance work is also being prioritised, including the Stallingborough Sea Defences along the Humber Estuary receiving £7 million and Pevensey Bay sea defence repairs receiving £3.8 million. Recognising that many flood defence projects have stalled, the government has allocated £140 million to accelerate 31 projects that are ready for immediate delivery.
Moreover, £36 million is being spent on urgent repairs to flood defences that were damaged by last winter’s storms, and next year a further £72 million will go to maintaining and repairing damaged assets to ensure their resilience.
As climate change continues to intensify, the UK faces an increasing risk of flooding. The government's investment in flood defences is a crucial step in mitigating these risks, ensuring communities, businesses, and farmland are better protected.
