The UK Government, in collaboration with the Environment Agency, has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct and repair over 1,000 flood schemes across the country. This initiative aims to protect thousands of homes and businesses from the devastating impacts of flooding.
A record £2.65 billion investment will be allocated over a two-year period to support the construction of new flood schemes and the repair and maintenance of existing ones. The government has published a comprehensive list of projects that will receive funding over the next year.
During the two-year investment period, approximately 1,000 flood schemes will be supported. This year, £430 million will be allocated towards the construction of new flood schemes, while an additional £220 million will be utilized to reinstate flood defenses to their full standard of service and original design life. This will enable communities to receive optimal protection from flooding.
Furthermore, additional funding has been earmarked for repairing existing flood assets, such as pumps, that are utilized during flood events. This investment will also support critical activities aimed at warning and informing the public about flooding risks.
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, has resulted in devastating consequences for communities across the UK. The economic impact of flooding is substantial, with the UK economy incurring billions of pounds in losses each year.
This significant investment is a key component of the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to deliver security for working people and renewal for the country. By protecting businesses, creating new jobs, and supporting a stable economy, this initiative will contribute to economic growth in local communities.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens. “The role of Government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defenses 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 defenses across the country.”
Several flagship schemes will receive funding this year, including:
– The Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme in Derbyshire, which will receive £34.6 million and protect 673 homes.
– The North Portsea Island Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Scheme in Hampshire, which will receive £13.8 million and protect 1,081 homes.
– The Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme in Lancashire, which will receive £10.4 million and protect 1,537 homes.
– The Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill Flood Defences in Dorset, which will receive £12.2 million and protect 135 homes.
– The Benacre and Kessingland Flood Risk Management Scheme in Suffolk, which will receive £10.1 million and protect 86 homes.
– The Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme in Yorkshire, which will receive £5 million and protect 414 homes.
Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, emphasized the importance of protecting communities from flooding. “Protecting communities in England from the devastating impact of flooding is our priority, and this is more important than ever as climate change brings more extreme weather to the nation.”
The Government has prioritized £140 million to ensure that 29 schemes, which are currently in progress but facing cost pressures, can be delivered without further delays. This will provide vital protection to nearby communities as soon as possible.
The Environment Agency has confirmed the list of supported schemes, which includes flood defenses in Great Yarmouth and the Alverstoke Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Scheme on the south coast.
