Over 1,000 Flood Defense Projects Planned Across England
Government allocates £2.65 billion to build and repair flood defenses, aiming to protect 52,000 properties from increasing flood risks.
The UK Government has announced plans to build or repair over 1,000 flood defense schemes across England, marking a significant investment aimed at enhancing resilience against flooding events.
The initiative will be financed through a £2.65 billion funding program spanning the next two years.
Officials from the Government and the Environment Agency stated that these projects are designed to protect approximately 52,000 homes and businesses from the increasingly frequent and severe floods attributed to climate change.
A detailed list of the schemes benefiting from this funding was released recently by ministers.
The immediate allocation includes around £430 million earmarked for the construction of new flood defenses and an additional £220 million designated for the refurbishment of existing flood protection infrastructure.
Further resources will also be allocated for repairing flood response equipment, such as pumps, along with initiatives to raise public awareness about flood risks.
Emma Hardy, the Floods Minister, emphasized the Government's commitment to safeguarding citizens, noting the poor condition of inherited flood defenses.
She stated that the government’s plan aims for a period of national renewal, with the investment representing the largest commitment to flood defense in history.
Among the flagship projects set to receive funding are:
- The Derby flood risk management scheme in Derbyshire, which will receive £34.6 million to protect 673 homes.
- The North Portsea Island scheme in Hampshire, allocated £13.8 million for the protection of 1,081 homes.
- The Preston and South Ribble scheme in Lancashire, benefiting from £10.4 million to secure 1,537 homes.
- The Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill flood defenses in Dorset will receive £12.2 million aimed at protecting 135 homes.
Caroline Douglass, executive director for flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency, underscored the importance of protecting communities from flooding, especially as climate change escalates weather extremes.
She indicated that the Agency's focus will be on collaborating with local authorities and regional flood and coastal committees to ensure timely delivery of the flood defense schemes.
In addition to the new and repaired defenses, the Government has prioritized £140 million for 29 ongoing schemes that are facing financial challenges, aiming to expedite their completion.
The list of supported projects also includes flood defenses in Great Yarmouth and an erosion risk management scheme on the southern coast.
The initiative will be financed through a £2.65 billion funding program spanning the next two years.
Officials from the Government and the Environment Agency stated that these projects are designed to protect approximately 52,000 homes and businesses from the increasingly frequent and severe floods attributed to climate change.
A detailed list of the schemes benefiting from this funding was released recently by ministers.
The immediate allocation includes around £430 million earmarked for the construction of new flood defenses and an additional £220 million designated for the refurbishment of existing flood protection infrastructure.
Further resources will also be allocated for repairing flood response equipment, such as pumps, along with initiatives to raise public awareness about flood risks.
Emma Hardy, the Floods Minister, emphasized the Government's commitment to safeguarding citizens, noting the poor condition of inherited flood defenses.
She stated that the government’s plan aims for a period of national renewal, with the investment representing the largest commitment to flood defense in history.
Among the flagship projects set to receive funding are:
- The Derby flood risk management scheme in Derbyshire, which will receive £34.6 million to protect 673 homes.
- The North Portsea Island scheme in Hampshire, allocated £13.8 million for the protection of 1,081 homes.
- The Preston and South Ribble scheme in Lancashire, benefiting from £10.4 million to secure 1,537 homes.
- The Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill flood defenses in Dorset will receive £12.2 million aimed at protecting 135 homes.
Caroline Douglass, executive director for flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency, underscored the importance of protecting communities from flooding, especially as climate change escalates weather extremes.
She indicated that the Agency's focus will be on collaborating with local authorities and regional flood and coastal committees to ensure timely delivery of the flood defense schemes.
In addition to the new and repaired defenses, the Government has prioritized £140 million for 29 ongoing schemes that are facing financial challenges, aiming to expedite their completion.
The list of supported projects also includes flood defenses in Great Yarmouth and an erosion risk management scheme on the southern coast.
