Around 600,000 properties are at risk of flooding, research finds

New research by the National Infrastructure Commission has discovered almost 600,000 properties in England are facing flooding risks if local authorities fail to improve drainage systems.

The National Infrastructure Commission, an executive agency responsible for providing expert advice to the government on infrastructure requirements, has discovered 325,000 properties in England are situated in high-risk flooding areas, meaning they have a 60% chance of being flooded in the next 30 years.

Research, which was published this month, claims climate change and urbanisation are the main causes for putting properties at risk.

As well as over 300,000 properties currently placed in high-risk flooding locations, experts found a further 230,000 properties could be at risk of surface flooding, which is caused by heavy rainfall, by 2055. 

To combat this, the Commission have called on the government to introduce a strategy that will lower the risk of flooding by introducing stricter controls on new property developments and invest up to £12bn in drainage infrastructure over the next 30 years.

Additionally, the government, regulators and local authorities should work together to identify the places most at risk to help track progress and fight off any potential flooding tragedies. 

The Commission recommends the Environment Agency, a government organisation, should use the results of the National Flood Risk Assessment set for 2024 to establish the areas flooding is the highest and improve local risk mapping in dangerous areas.

Currently, the Environment Agency supports upper-tier local authorities to identify areas where there is a ‘significant’ risk of surface water flooding, which is reviewed every six years. The next check is scheduled for 2023. 

Professor Jim Hall, National Infrastructure Commissioner said, ‘It’s clear that faced with more intense rainfall and increased urbanisation, we need to start taking this type of flooding more seriously.

‘The solution is clear – reducing the amount of water flowing into drains, whilst also improving the capacity of those drains.

‘That means stopping urban creep from increasing the amount of storm water that drainage systems have to cope with and giving nature more opportunities to hold onto excess water, as well as targeted investment to ensure sewers can cope with growing pressures.

‘While sustained investment is needed, the estimated additional costs are relatively modest. At least as important is a more joined-up approach to owning and acting on the problem.’

Photo by Chris Gallagher