Dehydrating districts: first UK areas to receive flood defence funding announced

Last week the UK government allocated the first quarter of the total funding it pledged to give out between 2021 and 2027 which has equalled at more than £26m.

In 2021 the government promised to assist communities that experienced frequent flooding by launching the Frequently Flooded Allowance fund that is made up of £100m. Last week, authorities finally stepped up and revealed the first areas that would receive money to help combat the problem.

Areas with 10 or more properties that have been flooded at least twice within the last 10 years are eligible for the fund. The first tranche includes 2,300 households and businesses, part of 53 flood defence projects, that are to receive better protection, the government claimed.

Communities within Worcestershire, Cumbria and the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire have become the first priority after they have experienced severe flooding cases following storms that occurred in 2015.

South East England, South Wales, North West England and Central Scotland also face great risks of flooding, with extremely populated cities such as Cardiff, London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh also looking at possible damage increases of more than 25%.

Recent analysis from the University of Bristol found that if greenhouse gases continue warming the Earth’s climate to 3.3 degrees above preindustrial levels, damage from flooding could increase by more than a fifth across the UK.

Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said: ”We know only too well the devastating impact that flooding can have on communities and businesses, as we face more extreme weather brought about by climate change.

‘I am determined that we do whatever we can to prevent flooding that affects so many towns and villages across the country.

‘This much-needed funding will go a long way to support those whose homes and livelihoods are repeatedly threatened by flooding and forms a key part of our record £5.2 billion investment by 2027 to protect communities in England better.’

Image: Nguyen Kiet