by Caroline Douglass, Exec Director of Flood and Coastal Risk Management
Flooding is one of the most devastating experiences a community can face. The loss of a home, a business, or simply the sense of safety and security in the place you live leaves a mark that lasts long after the water has receded. We know that for many families and communities across England, that experience is not a distant memory — it is a very real and recurring fear.
That is why the work we do at the Environment Agency to protect communities from flooding matters so deeply. It is why we are proud to be delivering what is now the largest flood improvement programme on record.
Investing at a scale that makes a real difference
This week, we have confirmed more than 600 flood schemes will receive a share of £830m in funding to help better protect tens of thousands of homes and businesses this year. This is part of a £1.4 billion investment in flood defences in 2026/27. This year's investment sits within an even bigger picture: over £10.5 billion is being invested between 2024 and 2036 as part of the long-term commitment to building a more resilient, climate-ready England. In addition to the £830 million investment, more than £260 million will be made available for managing, maintaining and repairing assets including those damaged following Storms Goretti and Chandra because we understand the ongoing benefit of keeping existing defences in good condition, so that they work reliably when they are needed.
The scale of that investment reflects the scale of the challenge. The frequency of extreme weather events is increasing, driven by climate change, and the consequences for communities and the wider economy are severe. The National Flood Risk Assessment has identified over 6 million properties at risk, increasing to 8 million by 2100. Flooding already costs the UK economy billions each year, but for every £1 invested in flood schemes, at least £8 worth of economic damage is avoided. This is not just about protection; it is about giving communities, businesses and local economies the stable foundations they need to grow and thrive.
Delivering where it matters most
The 2026/27 allocation builds on work already well under way, with projects being funded this year spanning the full breadth of what flood risk management looks like in practice; from major flood barriers and beach management projects to natural flood management schemes that work with the landscape to slow and absorb water.
Projects are delivered by Environment Agency and other Risk Management Authorities, reflecting the strength of the partnerships that sit at the heart of this work. By working alongside Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, local authorities, Internal Drainage Boards, Rivers Trusts, farmers and landowners, we are making sure investment reaches the communities that need it most.
Today's announcement coincides with yesterday’s Flood Resilience Taskforce meeting in Manchester, where recent winter storms, including the significant flooding experienced across the South West was discussed, along with what more can be done to protect homes and businesses across the country.
Being honest about the challenge ahead
We want to be clear with communities, because they deserve nothing less. Today's announcement is positive but there is always the expectation that we will do more. For many places, it provides the certainty needed to complete schemes that communities have long planned and prepared for. But for others, funding gaps remain, and schemes that local people have been hoping to see progress will not move forward this year.
The demand for flood investment consistently outstrips the funding available. The decisions about which projects receive funding are made through a rigorous process, overseen by Regional Flood and Coastal Committees and the Environment Agency Board. The flood funding policy announced in October was designed to prioritise schemes already under construction and those closest to completion.
To the communities not seeing their scheme progress this year: we have not forgotten you. Our teams across England are committed to working with local partners to keep plans moving forward, to explore every available funding route, and to be open and honest about timescales and next steps.
A programme built for the long term
The government's £10.5 billion commitment provides the foundation to plan, build and deliver flood resilience at a scale that genuinely changes the picture for communities across England. The Environment Agency will continue to use every tool available from investment to natural flood management to community engagement to reduce flood risk and help people feel safer in their homes.
We are proud of what our teams and partners achieve every day. The 2026/27 programme is the latest chapter in that story, and we look forward to sharing the milestones and achievements it will deliver in the months ahead.
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