Government commits to record levels of funding for flood resilience

The government’s Floods Resilience Taskforce met this month to review progress and prepare for the winter period, as forecasters warn of a wetter-than-average autumn. The taskforce, chaired by Floods Minister Emma Hardy, brings together government departments, the Environment Agency, emergency services and insurers to strengthen the UK’s ability to withstand extreme weather.

The taskforce was established in September 2024 following a series of damaging winter storms and has since overseen a range of measures to accelerate the delivery of new flood and coastal defences. Over the past 12 months, lessons from recent flooding have helped improve coordination between agencies and enhance public protection. During last winter’s storms, Environment Agency assets protected around 167,000 properties from flooding.

One of the group’s main achievements has been the rollout of Rapid Flood Guidance, a new forecasting service for surface water flooding. This provides responders with short-notice updates on localised flood risks, supporting quicker operational decision-making. Action groups on flood warnings, recovery and insurance have also been formed to improve engagement with the public and strengthen long-term resilience.

With the Met Office warning of increased rainfall in western and northern regions, the taskforce is focusing on readiness for the coming months. A key area of discussion is the Environment Agency’s development of a new national flood warning service, shaped by user feedback, alongside continued delivery of the national flood and coastal defence programme. Updates were also provided by the Insurance Action Group on efforts to expand protection for homeowners.

The government has committed record levels of funding to improve resilience. A total of £2.65 billion is being spent over two years on new flood defences, part of a £7.9 billion programme over the next decade aimed at protecting 840,000 homes and businesses. In addition, £36 million was allocated in 2024/25 to repair assets damaged by last winter’s storms, with £72 million available this year for maintenance. The Environment Agency reports that more than 92% of high-consequence assets are now at their required standard.

For the construction sector, this represents a substantial pipeline of work in flood defence and resilience. Contractors and suppliers engaged in modular construction, coastal defence, civil engineering, and sustainable infrastructure will find opportunities within the government’s capital programme as new schemes are rolled out nationwide.

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