House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Investing in our flood defences in 2026/2027 and beyond
17 March 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed by Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK Government plans to invest 4.2 billion over three years starting in 2026/27 for flood defences.
- A 1.4 billion investment for 2026/27 will fund over 600 flood defence schemes across England.
- The Flood Resilience Taskforce aims to enhance national and local preparedness for flooding.
Issue summary
The statement discusses the UK's flood defence investments, focusing on the Labour Government's plan to invest £4.2 billion over three years starting in 2026/27.
Action requested
The Minister announces a £1.4 billion investment for 2026/27 into over 600 flood defence schemes across England, including natural flood management and coastal protection projects. This follows the establishment of a Flood Resilience Taskforce to improve national and local preparedness.
Key facts
- Storm Chandra caused flooding affecting approximately 24,500 properties.
- The Government invested £2.65 billion in flood defences in its first two years.
- A Flood Resilience Taskforce has secured training for over 1,500 emergency responders and introduced an improved forecasting service for surface water flooding.
- Over the next three years (2026/27 to 2028/29), £4.2 billion will be invested in flood defences.
- In 2026/27, £1.4 billion is allocated to over 600 schemes protecting 840,000 properties from climate change impacts by 2036.
- More than £260 million will be spent on managing and maintaining existing defences in 2026/27.