New long-term plan to tackle flooding revealed

Homes and businesses are set to become more resilient to flooding after the government revealed its long-term plan to tackle the risks of flooding and coastal erosion.

The measures set out in the new plan include investment of £5.2 billion to create around 2,000 new flood and coastal defences to better protect 336,000 properties in England by 2027, alongside support to help households and businesses get back on their feet more quickly after flooding.

The plans also include £200 million for innovative projects, such as sustainable drainage systems and nature-based solutions like temporary or permanent water storage areas which also boost wildlife. These will support 25 areas at risk of flooding to test and demonstrate innovative actions to adapt to a changing climate and improve their resilience.

The government has also said that up to £170 million will be spent accelerating work on 'shovel-ready' flood defence schemes that will begin construction in 2020/21. 22 areas across the country will benefit from this immediate boost to jobs supporting the local economy as communities recover from the impact of coronavirus

The long-term plan sets out five key commitments which will accelerate progress to better protect and better prepare the country for the coming years. They are: upgrading and expanding flood defences and infrastructure across the country; managing the flow of water to both reduce flood risk and manage drought; harnessing the power of nature to not only reduce flood risk, but deliver benefits for the environment, nature, and communities; better preparing communities for when flooding and erosion does occur; and ensuring every area of England has a comprehensive local plan for dealing with flooding and coastal erosion.

The plan also sets out proposed changes to the joint government and insurance industry Flood Re scheme. This will allow claims to include an additional amount so that flood resilience measures are included in repairs, and allow households that have property flood resilience measures in place to benefit from lower premiums.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Last winter I saw for myself the misery and upheaval that flooding can bring to lives and livelihoods and I said we would do more to help people.

"This long-term plan will help push back the flood waters and protect hundreds of thousands of homes, businesses and livelihoods. Our record investment will also stimulate economic growth across the UK as we build back better."

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: "The devastating impacts of last winter’s flooding were an important reminder of the need to continue to invest and accelerate action to reduce the impact of flooding on our communities.

"Our record investment and ambitious policies will better protect homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, but we also recognise that we cannot prevent flooding entirely, which is why we will ensure that communities at high risk are more resilient. Working closely with the Environment Agency, local authorities, business and the third sector we will create a better protected and prepared nation."

David Renard, Environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, commented: “Flooding can devastate communities, causing enormous disruption to families and businesses, and resulting in huge clean-up bills, so this funding is good news and will support protection work by councils to prepare for heavy rainfalls.

“Funding for flood defences needs to be devolved to local areas to ensure money is directed towards projects that best reflect local needs, which includes protecting key roads and bridges to keep local residents and businesses moving. It is good that flood defence construction schemes will be fast-tracked, and while the Bellwin scheme for emergency flood relief funding is vital for councils, it often doesn’t cover the clean-up costs. Councils need to be able to access funding for these purposes, more easily and more quickly. The government also needs to further incentivise firms to make contributions for flood defences and introduce mandatory anti-flood requirements for new homes in building regulations.”