New system to see more flood and coastal defence projects go ahead

A new funding system has been announced which will see more flood and coastal erosion defence projects across England go ahead.

The new system provides money based on the benefits each project delivers to homes, businesses, agricultural land and infrastructure.

Many schemes will still receive full Government funding, whilst others will qualify for a contribution to the final cost, which in many cases will be worth 80 to 90 per cent of the full scheme cost.

This will replace the current model where schemes applying for money are typically either funded in full by Government or not at all.

Payment rates from Government will be highest in areas most at risk from flooding and in the most deprived areas of the country, meaning that schemes in these areas are more likely to qualify for full funding.

Environmental benefits achieved by schemes will also help boost the amount of funding the scheme receives.

Under the new scheme each area will have a lot more influence over which projects go ahead because decisions will be made at a local level by regional committees who can better decide where government funding is most needed.

Where schemes do not qualify for full Government funding, the Environment Agency will work in partnership with local communities and other interested parties to lower costs or secure additional sources of private funding, such as from businesses or developers who stand to benefit from the additional protection a flood defence will bring.

Environment Minister Richard Benyon said: “Where additional contributions are needed, we will be working in partnership with local communities to find ways of securing private investment from those who will benefit from the added protection."

"This will mean that local communities have a much greater say in how and where schemes are built and are no longer hampered in their ambitions by what Government alone can afford."

Further information:
Defra