The money is part of a larger £750bn package for UK work
The flood defence package will be announced officially this week as a part of the 10-year infrastructure strategy.
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, this is the largest flood programme in the UK’s history.
Putting UK workers first
In order to access the funding, firms will need to show their method in using sub-contractors and labour based in the UK. This will prioritise UK labour.
The flood defence package will include both nature-based solutions, such as wetland restoration, and construction of high-performance flood barriers to protect communities, homes, and businesses.
It is expected that every £1 spent on flood defences will prevent a later £8 cost in flooding economic damage, especially saving infrastructure costs.
In the spending review last week, chancellor Rachel Reeves further confirmed that £4.2bn will be put towards flood defences over the next three years, involving both capital and resources to fix existing defences and establish new ones.
Flood defence package “will be welcome news for businesses and homeowners”
Environment secretary, Steve Reed, said: “Protecting citizens is the first duty of any Government. Yet we inherited crumbling flood defences in their worst condition on record – exposing thousands of homes.
“Under the Plan for Change, this Government is taking urgent action with the largest flooding programme in our country’s history.
“We will leave no stone unturned to protect our citizens.”
Philip Duffy, chief executive at the Environment Agency, said: “As our changing climate continues to bring more extreme weather to the nation, it’s never been more vital to invest in new flood defences and repair our existing assets.
“This long-term investment will be welcome news for businesses and homeowners, who have too often faced the destructive nature of flooding. Our priority will continue to be working with the government and local authorities to ensure as many properties are protected as possible.”
In March, the government further announced that more than 1,000 flood defence schemes will be built across the country using a £2.65bn investment from the Environment Agency.
This will see £430m go towards schemes, and £220m go towards repair and reinvigoration of existing schemes. Details have been given for:
- Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme in Derbyshire, which will receive £34.6m and protect 673 homes
- North Portsea Island Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Scheme in Hampshire, which will receive £13.8m and protect 1,081 homes
- Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme in Lancashire, which will receive £10.4m and protect 1,537 homes
- Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill Flood Defences in Dorset, which will receive £12.2m and protect 135 homes.
- Benacre and Kessingland Flood Risk Management Scheme in Suffolk, which will receive £10.1m and protect 86 homes.
- Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme in Yorkshire, which will receive £5m and protect 414 homes.
The post £8bn flood defence package to prioritise UK contractors appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
