Homes and businesses across the country will be better protected and more resilient in future after the government revealed its long-term plan to tackle the risks of flooding and coastal erosion.
The measures set out in the new plan are the most comprehensive in a decade, including investment of £5.2 billion to create around 2,000 new flood and coastal defences to better protect 336,000 properties in England by 2027, alongside support to help households and businesses get back on their feet more quickly after flooding.
The plans also include £200 million for innovative projects such as sustainable drainage systems and nature-based solutions like temporary or permanent water storage areas which also boost wildlife. These will support 25 areas at risk of flooding to test and demonstrate innovative actions to adapt to a changing climate and improve their resilience.
In addition, up to £170 million will be spent to accelerate work on shovel-ready flood defence schemes that will begin construction in 2020 or 2021. Twenty-two areas across the country will benefit from this immediate boost to jobs supporting the local economy as communities recover from the impact of coronavirus. Bude, in the North Cornwall constituency, has been announced as one of the projects to be funded.
The government’s ambitious long-term plan sets out five key commitments – supported by over 40 clear actions - which will accelerate progress to better protect and better prepare the country for the coming years:
- Upgrading and expanding flood defences and infrastructure across the country;
- Managing the flow of water to both reduce flood risk and manage drought;
- Harnessing the power of nature to not only reduce flood risk, but deliver benefits for the environment, nature, and communities;
- Better preparing communities for when flooding and erosion does occur; and
- Ensuring every area of England has a comprehensive local plan for dealing with flooding and coastal erosion.
The plan will see the delivery of flood and coastal defences to prevent £32 billion in economic damage, the creation of areas to store water during flooding and greater use of nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk.
The plan also sets out proposed changes to the joint government and insurance industry Flood Re scheme. Subject to consultation, this will allow claims to include an additional amount so that flood resilience measures are included in repairs, and allow households that have property flood resilience measures in place to benefit from lower premiums.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
"Last winter I saw for myself the misery and upheaval that flooding can bring to lives and livelihoods and I said we would do more to help people.
"This long-term plan will help push back the floodwaters and protect hundreds of thousands of homes, businesses and livelihoods.
"Our record investment will also stimulate economic growth across the UK as we build back better."
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
"The devastating impacts of last winter’s flooding were an important reminder of the need to continue to invest and accelerate action to reduce the impact of flooding on our communities.
"Our record investment and ambitious policies will better protect homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, but we also recognise that we cannot prevent flooding entirely, which is why we will ensure that communities at high risk are more resilient.
"Working closely with the Environment Agency, local authorities, business and the third sector we will create a better protected and prepared nation."
North Cornwall MP Scott Mann said:
"Time and again Bude residents have told me that they feel their town misses out from Cornwall Council, who treat the Bude-Stratton area like an annexe of Devon. It is a vital part of our North Cornwall constituency, and this is the message I always repeat to colleagues in Westminster.
"I am very pleased today that Bude has been given our fair share of funding for this flood protection scheme. This funding will sustain existing defences, preserving the functioning of a key part of the town and thereby allowing continued growth in our local tourism industry."
