The government and Environment Agency have announced a £2.65bn investment over the next two years to protect communities from water levels
1,000+ flood defence schemes have been promised across the country in a record investment from the government and Environment Agency.
The investment will be made over two years to construct new flood defences and repair or maintain current ones.
2025 will see £430m go towards flood defence schemes
A further £220m will be used to reinvigorate current flood defence schemes that are not at optimal operation. More money has been allocated to repair and maintenance of flood assets that are used during floods, including pumps, information, and early warning systems.
The investment is a welcome one in the face of weather events that can cause flooding increasing in frequency due to climate change. Floods are not only more frequent, but more likely to be worse as well, with the potential to devastate local areas.
The announcement comes as another part of the Plan for Change.
Some of the announced schemes include:
- 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.
“More important than ever”
£140m is being put towards 29 schemes which exist but are currently experiences delays in construction.
Floods minister, Emma Hardy, said: “The role of Government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record.
“Through our Plan for Change, this government will deliver a decade of national renewal and economic growth. As part of that we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and repair over 1,000 flood defences across the country.”
Caroline Douglass, executive director for flood and coastal risk management for the Environment Agency, said: “Protecting communities in England from the devastating impact of flooding is our priority and this is more important than ever as climate change brings more extreme weather to the nation.
“The delivery of these schemes will be welcome news for homeowners and businesses, who have experienced flooding in the past and may face more extreme weather as our climate continues to change.
“Our focus is now on working with local councils and Regional Flood and Coastal Committees to deliver these schemes on time, ensuring as many properties as possible are protected.”
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