Following the recent run of storms and wet weather, the government has announced that £2.65 billion will be spent over the next two years to build, maintain and repair flood defences.
Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency, so flood defences are becoming increasingly important in protecting both homes and businesses. The funding will also help protect farmland, which has also suffered in the recent storms.
Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said: “The impact of flooding on our communities will only become greater as climate change brings more extreme weather, like Storms Bert, Conall and Eowyn.” He also expressed his commitment to delivering on the vital projects that are needed across the country.
According to the press release, up to 1,000 projects are set to receive a share of the funding. These include flood defence projects at Bridgwater in Somerset and Derby. Projects in the West Midlands, Dorset, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire will also receive support. In addition, essential maintenance will be carried out at the Stallingborough Sea Defences along the Humber estuary and to improve protection in Pevensey Bay.
