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In a sweeping move to fortify the nation against the escalating threat of floods, the UK government has committed £2.65 billion to bolster flood defences, aiming to safeguard homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The unprecedented investment, to be rolled out over the next two years, is expected to enhance protections for 66,500 properties by March 2026, reflecting a growing urgency as climate change intensifies extreme weather events.
This ambitious plan will see 52,000 properties benefit from new flood defence installations, while 14,500 homes will receive much-needed repairs and reinforcements. With flooding costing the UK billions annually and projections suggesting that eight million properties could be at risk by 2050, the government is accelerating efforts to strengthen resilience.
The initiative replaces previous commitments under the Environment Agency’s £5.2bn flood defence strategy (2021–2027), which the new administration has declined to recognize, marking a sharp departure in approach.
Key Projects:
Several high-risk areas are set to receive significant funding injections, including:
£43 million for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier in Somerset
£35 million for the Our City Our River flood protection scheme in Derby
£3.5 million for coastal flood defences in Dorset (Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill)
£2 million for Beales Corner in Bewdley, West Midlands
£2.5 million allocated for multiple resilience projects across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire
Beyond new infrastructure, £72 million will go toward maintaining and fortifying existing flood defences. Key allocations include:
£7 million for Phase 3 of the Stallingborough Sea Defences on the Humber Estuary
£3.8 million for Pevensey Bay coastal defences
£140 million to fast-track 31 “shovel-ready” projects for immediate deployment
The government will also inject £36 million into emergency repairs following last winter’s devastating floods. In comparison, £57 million has already been allocated to aid farmers affected by severe weather between October 2023 and March 2024. Additionally, £50 million is set aside for internal drainage boards, ensuring efficient water management for agricultural lands.
This funding announcement coincides with the first convening of the government’s Flood Resilience Taskforce, led by Flood Re, a collaboration between the UK government and insurers designed to make flood insurance more accessible. The task force, including representatives from the Met Office and the National Farmers’ Union, will assess the impact of this winter’s storms—Bert, Conall, and Éowyn—and develop strategies for long-term resilience.
Recognizing the need for innovation, the government is also reviewing the outdated funding formula for flood protection allocations, aiming to streamline decision-making and integrate natural flood management solutions. To that end, the Environment Agency has unveiled 34 projects leveraging natural interventions—such as sustainable drainage systems and habitat restoration—to enhance flood resilience in vulnerable regions like Leicestershire.
As the UK faces increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, this £2.65bn commitment signals a decisive push to mitigate climate risks, reinforce critical infrastructure, and safeguard communities against the next deluge.
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 £2.65bn 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.”
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