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Investing in our flood defences in 2026/2027 and beyond
17 March 2026
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
At a Glance
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.
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