£2.65 billion to maintain flood defences

The government has unveiled a new flood package to build new flood defences and maintain and repair those already in place.  

It is hoped the record £2.65 billion will build or maintain up to 1,000 flood defences, and protect more than 66,000 properties. As part of the Plan for Change, 52,000 properties are set to benefit from new defences by March 2026.

Repairs will be reprioritised for investment in maintenance, protecting a further 14,500 properties.

It is hoped the investment will also support economic growth, by protecting businesses, supporting jobs, and supporting a stable economy. The defences will also protect farmland and in turn help to safeguard farm businesses and farmers’ profits.

The government’s Floods Resilience Taskforce met on Tuesday, with floods minister Emma Hardy joined by ministers from across government alongside representatives from the Met Office, Local Resilience Forums, and the National Farmers’ Union.

Projects due to receive funding include Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Flood Defence Scheme in Somerset, which will receive £43 million and the Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme “Our City Our River”, which is set to receive £35 million.

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said: "The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods. "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 maintenance flood defences to protect lives, homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding."

Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said: "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."