The Government has announced £2.65bn over two years for over 1,000 flood protection schemes that will be built or repaired to protect thousands of homes and businesses.
This year around £430m is going towards the construction of schemes, while a further £220m will be used to reinstate flood defences 'to their full standard of service and original design life to help protect communities', Defra, the environment department, and the Environment Agency said.
Further funding has been earmarked for repairing existing flood assets utilised in flood events, such as pumps, as well as important activities to warn and inform the public of flooding risks.
Around £140 million from the investment programme will be prioritised for 29 projects that are ready for delivery, while schemes proceeding in 2026/7 and future multiyear projects are subject to change and the outcome of both annual RFCC consenting and the 2025 Spending Review.
The government has published a full list of the projects supported over the next year.
Floods minister Emma Hardy said: 'The role of Government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defences 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 defences across the country.'
Flagship schemes to receive funding this year include:
- Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme in Derbyshire, which will receive £34.6m and protect 673 homes.
- North Portsea Island Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Scheme in Hampshire, which will receive £13.8m and protect 1,081 homes.
- Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme in Lancashire, which will receive £10.4m and protect 1,537 homes.
- Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill Flood Defences in Dorset, which will receive £12.2m and protect 135 homes.
- Benacre and Kessingland Flood Risk Management Scheme in Suffolk, which will receive £10.1m and protect 86 homes.
- Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme in Yorkshire, which will receive £5m and protect 414 homes.
Caroline Douglass, executive director for flood and coastal risk management for the Environment Agency, said: '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 delivery of these schemes will be welcome news for homeowners and businesses, who have experienced flooding in the past and may face more extreme weather as our climate continues to change. Our focus is now on working with local councils and Regional Flood and Coastal Committees to deliver these schemes on time, ensuring as many properties as possible are protected.'
