The British Government is investing £2.65 billion over the next two years to bolster flood defences, aiming to protect 52,000 properties with new barriers and repair existing defences for another 14,500 properties. The investment, announced in response to recent flooding events, will fund up to 1,000 projects across the country.
The British Government will unveil a record £2.65 billion investment in flood defences over the next two years. This substantial funding will safeguard approximately 52,000 properties by constructing new flood barriers by March 2026, and a further 14,500 properties through repairs to existing, often aging, defences. The announcement comes in response to the widespread flooding caused by winter storms in recent years.
Up to 1,000 projects across the country will benefit from this investment, including a £43 million allocation for the Bridgewater tidal barrier flood defence scheme in Somerset and £35 million for flood protection in Derby. The government attributes the deterioration of flood defences to years of underinvestment by the previous Conservative administration, stating that 3,000 of the Environment Agency's 38,000 critical assets are below the required standard of maintenance.Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the government's commitment to protecting citizens, stating, 'The role of any Government is to protect its citizens. Under our Plan for Change, we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and maintenance flood defences to protect lives, homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding.' Mr. Reed further highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, 'The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods.' The funding will also support various maintenance projects, including £7 million for the Stallingborough sea defences along the Humber estuary and £3.8 million to enhance coastal protection in Pevensey Bay. The government is also reviewing the existing funding formula for allocating resources to flood defences, identifying complexities and inefficiencies that hinder timely project implementation and innovative solutions. The current system has also been criticized for disproportionately favoring schemes that benefit wealthier communities and areas.
FLOOD DEFENCES INVESTMENT GOVERNMENT UK ENVIRONMENT STORMS
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