A new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce has been announced to strengthen the nation’s ability to plan for and respond to extreme weather.

This year, we had a wet winter, followed by a long, hot summer with the third drought in five years and the driest July in almost two centuries.

The government is currently delivering the largest flood defence programme in English history, with at least £10.5 billion committed between 2024 and 2036 to protect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding.  

Every £1 invested in flood defences prevents around £8 in economic damage.

The Taskforce will bring Floods and Drought Minister Emma Hardy together with representatives from more than 50 organisations, including the Environment Agency, Met Office, Mayoral authorities, the Fire and Rescue Services, and the farming, water and insurance industry.

The group will meet for the first time on Wednesday 14th October and will share expertise, from understanding risks and assessing preparedness to supporting a longer-term resilience strategy for floods and drought, helping to protect communities and the economy.  

Community voices will also be included through direct engagement and the inclusion of more community-based groups.

Floods and Drought Minister Emma Hardy said: "We’re facing extreme weather, with flood and drought intertwined, but the government is taking decisive action.

"We’re taking a smarter, more joined-up approach to manage the nation’s water and set up our new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce. This will put communities and businesses at the heart of our work and will make sure the UK is ready for whatever the weather brings next.

"We are also backing that ambition with historic investment, including £4.2 billion for existing and new flood defences that will protect even more people in the years ahead."