Spending on flood defences set to rise to record levels

The Environment Agency has recently reported that flooding is a significant concern for many homes in England. They have found that over 6. 3 million properties are currently at risk of flooding from various sources such as rivers, seas, and surface water. In response to this alarming situation, the government has announced plans to invest more than £2. 6 billion over the next two years to enhance flood protection for homes and businesses across the country. This amount is £250 million more than what was previously disclosed. The funds will be allocated to a variety of projects, including the construction of tidal barriers, flood walls, and nature-based solutions that help to slow down the flow of water. The Environment Agency has also highlighted the potential impact of climate change on flooding. They predict that by the year 2050, the number of homes at risk could increase to eight million, which would mean that one in every four properties could be affected by flooding. Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, expressed his concerns during an interview with the BBC, stating that the previous government had left the flood defences in a poor state. He emphasized that this neglect was a serious failure, especially considering the increasing severity of weather events due to climate change. Between 2021 and 2024, the Conservative government allocated just over £1 billion each year for flood defences. However, critics argue that they did not adequately maintain existing defences or construct enough new ones. Victoria Atkins, the shadow Environment Secretary, countered that the Conservatives had indeed invested record amounts in flood defences and coastal erosion. She questioned the source of the new funding and whether it was simply a rebranding of previous investments made by the Conservative government. If all the announced funding is utilized in the next two years, government spending on flood defences will exceed £1. 3 billion annually. Nearly 1,000 projects are set to receive funding, with over 66,000 of the most vulnerable properties expected to benefit from improved protection. Some notable projects include £43 million for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Flood Defence Scheme in Somerset, £35 million for a flood-risk-management scheme in Derby, and £2 million to safeguard communities in Bewdley, Worcestershire. Additionally, more than £100 million has been earmarked for repairing and maintaining flood defences that were damaged during last year's floods. Alan Lovell, the chair of the Environment Agency, stated that with this new funding, they will collaborate closely with the government to ensure that essential projects are delivered in the communities that need them the most.