Government to build or repair 1,000 flood schemes

The government and the Environment Agency have announced over 1,000 flood schemes will be built or repaired, which makes a record £2.65 billion invested over two years to protect communities from flooding.

The flood schemes will ensures that thousands of homes and businesses will be protected from the dangers of flooding, with around £430 million this year going to towards their construction. A further £220 million will be used to reinstate flood defences to their original state, as well as further money earmarked for repairing existing flood assets utilised in flood events, such as pumps, as well as important activity to warn and inform the public of flooding risks. 

This comes at a crucial moment when extreme weather events continue to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change, making adaption measures key to protecting communities across the country.

Flagship schemes that will receive funding this year include Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme in Derbyshire, which will receive £34.6 million and protect 673 homes, and Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill Flood Defences in Dorset, which will receive £12.2 million and protect 135 homes.

Floods minister Emma Hardy said: “The role of the 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.”