An investment of £5.2 billion will help to create around 2,000 new flood and coastal defences. The government hopes to better protect 336,000 properties in England by 2027. Alongside this there’s support to help households and businesses after flooding.

The plans will include £200 million for innovative projects such as sustainable drainage systems and nature-based solutions like water storage areas which also boost wildlife.

Up to £170 million will be spent to accelerate work on planned flood defence projects that will begin construction in 2020 or 2021. 22 areas across the country will benefit from this boost to jobs supporting the local economy.

These will support 25 areas at risk of flooding to test and demonstrate innovative actions to adapt to a changing climate and improve their resilience.

The government’s long-term plan sets out five key commitments:

1 – Upgrading and expending flood defences and infrastructure across the country.

2 – Managing the flow of water to both reduce flood risk and manage drought.

3 – Harnessing the power of nature to not only reduce flood risk, but deliver benefits for the environment, nature, and communities.

4 – Better preparing communities for when flooding and erosion does occur.

5 – Ensuring every area of England has comprehensive local plan for dealing with flooding and costal erosion.

For more details please see the governments publication on this topic.