The UK government has announced a major investment in flood defences, pledging £2.65 billion over two years to build or repair more than 1,000 flood protection schemes across England. The initiative, revealed by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency, aims to safeguard thousands of homes and businesses from increasing flood risks driven by climate change.
This year, £430 million will fund new flood defence construction, while £220 million will be allocated to restoring existing defences to their original capacity. Additional funding will support emergency flood equipment, public warning systems, and risk management strategies. The full list of local projects has been published by the Environment Agency, with schemes prioritised in high-risk areas.
Environment Secretary Emma Hardy emphasised the dual benefits of the plan: “This record investment not only protects vulnerable communities but also stimulates local economies by creating jobs in construction and infrastructure.” The move comes as extreme weather events become more frequent, with flooding already costing the UK economy billions annually.
While welcomed by flood-prone communities, environmental groups urge complementary measures like natural flood management and sustainable land use to address root causes. The announcement forms part of the government’s broader climate resilience strategy, with further details on long-term adaptation expected later this year.
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