A £2.6 billion six-year programme of work dedicated to improving flood and coastal defences has exceeded its original targets by 14,000 – with over 314,000 homes now better protected from flooding since 2015.
More than 850 new flood and coastal erosion defence projects have been completed during this period.
Over 580,000 ac of agricultural land, as well as thousands of businesses, communities and major infrastructure – including more than 8,000 kilometres of roads – also benefited from improvement schemes.
Analysis in a new report published today shows this work is estimated to have reduced national flood risk by 5%.
Defra’s final post-programme assessment shows that the original commitment of 300,000 homes was revised upwards by more than 4.5% after extra funding was allocated across the period.
The programme’s original £2.3 billion budget was expanded to a total £2.6 billion to allow for additional work to be carried out.
Investment during 2015-2021 was spread across every region of England and included targeted funding for areas where it was needed the most, pushing forward regeneration in communities at high risk of flooding – many of whom suffered from significant flooding during the winter of 2015.
One example is Yorkshire, with the government investing more in flood defences for Yorkshire and the Humber than any other region, better protecting more than 83,000 homes since 2015.
Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said:
“Our programme of work has protected over 314,000 properties, defending people, communities, and businesses from flooding and coastal erosion.
“We know that there is still more to do, so we are doubling our investment with a record £5.2 billion over the next six years.”
