The Government and Environment Agency have announced a record £2.65 billion investment over two years to build or repair over 1,000 flood schemes, protecting thousands of homes and businesses from flooding dangers.
This year, around £430 million will go towards the construction of new flood schemes, while £220 million will be used to reinstate flood defences to their original design life and full standard of service. Additional funding is earmarked for repairing existing flood assets, such as pumps, and activities to warn and inform the public of flooding risks.
Emma Hardy, Floods Minister, 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.”
As extreme weather events increase due to climate change, the investment aims to mitigate devastating impacts on communities and the UK economy, which costs billions each year.
Key projects receiving funding this year include:
- Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme: £34.6 million to protect 673 homes.
- North Portsea Island Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Scheme: £13.8 million to protect 1,081 homes.
- Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme: £10.4 million to protect 1,537 homes.
- Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill Flood Defences: £12.2 million to protect 135 homes.
- Benacre and Kessingland Flood Risk Management Scheme: £10.1 million to protect 86 homes.
- Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme: £5 million to protect 414 homes.
The investment is part of the Government’s Plan for Change, aiming to deliver security for working people and boost economic growth by protecting businesses, creating jobs, and supporting a stable economy in the face of increasing flood risks.
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