£7.9 billion for flood defences

Almost £8 billion will be invested in flood defences over the next decade.

The government has announced the largest flooding programme in history, with a record £7.9 billion committed over ten years to protect hundreds of thousands of homes, small businesses, and vital infrastructure.

The programme will deliver long-term protection for communities with solutions such as high-performance flood barriers and wetland restoration.

Every £1 spent on flood defences is expected to prevent around £8 in economic damage.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: "Protecting citizens is the first duty of any Government. Yet we inherited crumbling flood defences in their worst condition on record – exposing thousands of homes.

"Under the Plan for Change, this Government is taking urgent action with the largest flooding programme in our country’s history.

"We will leave no stone unturned to protect our citizens."

Philip Duffy, chief executive at the Environment Agency, said: "As our changing climate continues to bring more extreme weather to the nation, it’s never been more vital to invest in new flood defences and repair our existing assets.

"This long-term investment will be welcome news for businesses and homeowners, who have too often faced the destructive nature of flooding. Our priority will continue to be working with the government and local authorities to ensure as many properties are protected as possible."