The UK government has announced sweeping reforms to flood defence funding, aimed at protecting deprived communities and safeguarding homes and businesses across England. The previous rules, last updated in 2011, relied on outdated evidence and a complex application process that often disadvantaged councils with limited resources, leaving poorer areas without adequate flood protection. Under the new system, the government has committed a record £10.5 billion to flood defences, covering nearly 900,000 properties. The revised rules ensure full funding for projects up to £3 million, while larger schemes receive substantial upfront support, significantly reducing the financial burden on local authorities and partners.
These reforms aim to provide security and confidence to local businesses and investors, helping to stimulate economic growth while protecting communities from flood damage. At least 20% of future investment will be earmarked for the most deprived communities in England over the next decade, breaking the cycle of recurring flood impacts and enabling towns to recover more quickly. By prioritising value-for-money and recognising contributions from partners such as businesses, wildlife groups, and farm clusters, the government intends to leverage additional investment and ensure taxpayer funding goes further.
The overhaul also introduces a long-term focus on both new and refurbished flood defences, addressing the pressures on ageing infrastructure. Natural flood management projects will play a central role, delivering cost-effective flood protection while providing environmental benefits. The government’s approach recognises the importance of climate resilience and supports projects that combine flood protection with ecological improvements.
In its first year, the government completed 151 flood schemes, protecting over 24,000 homes and businesses, including the Pevensey Bay Sea Defences in East Sussex, safeguarding more than 3,200 properties. The reforms form part of the largest flood programme in the nation’s history, running until 2036, and include £108 million reprioritised for urgent maintenance to halt the decline of major assets and ensure communities remain protected.
By modernising funding rules, prioritising deprived communities, and investing in both innovative and traditional flood defence methods, the government aims to strengthen economic growth, enhance climate resilience, and secure national renewal for decades to come.
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