Experts are urging the UK government to commit at least £1.5 billion a year to flood defences, warning that current spending levels are insufficient to protect the public, critical infrastructure, and the economy. A report by Public First highlights that nearly 2 million people across the UK are exposed to flooding annually, equivalent to the combined populations of Birmingham, Sheffield, and Newcastle upon Tyne.
The report reveals that a third of England’s critical infrastructure—including roads, railways, energy networks, and water systems—is at risk of flooding, posing a threat to national security. The direct cost of flood damage to property, buildings, and transport infrastructure amounts to £2.4 billion each year. However, the long-term economic impact is even more severe, with each year of flooding causing a decade-long downward pressure on the economy worth at least £6.1 billion.
Current spending on flood defences stands at £1.3 billion, below the £1.5 billion recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission. The Labour government has not committed to funding flood defences beyond next year, and the Treasury has been reviewing the affordability of future funding since last year’s autumn statement.
Emma Howard Boyd, a visiting professor at the Grantham Research Institute and former chair of the Environment Agency, emphasized the urgent need for increased investment. “Every £1 invested in flood defences prevents around £8 of damage—£3 of that is a direct saving to the government because more than a third of the damage is to publicly owned infrastructure such as roads, railways, schools, and hospitals,” she said.
The report warns that flood risk is escalating across the country due to the climate crisis. Latest data from the Environment Agency shows that 6.3 million properties, including homes and businesses, are in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, seas, and surface water. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 8 million, meaning one in four properties will be at risk.
Howard Boyd also called on the government to ensure that its target of building 1.5 million new homes does not compromise public safety. The Guardian has revealed that more than 100,000 of these new properties are likely to be built on high-risk flood plains unless the government intervenes. Leading insurance experts are advocating for a halt to new construction on flood plains to protect lives and livelihoods.
The report also highlights the political dimension of flood vulnerability, with 74% of the top 10% of English constituencies most at risk of flooding being Labour-held seats. Public polling for the report found that 66% of people believe the country and their local areas are unprepared to deal with future flooding.
As the climate crisis intensifies, experts are calling on the government to take decisive action in the upcoming spending review to address the growing threat of flooding and safeguard the nation’s infrastructure, economy, and communities.
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