The government has committed £7.9bn to what it claims is the largest flood defence investment programme in UK history, aiming to protect hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses over the next decade.

The funding will support both traditional infrastructure, such as high-performance flood barriers, and nature-based solutions, including wetland restoration. According to ministers, every £1 invested will prevent an estimated £8 in future economic damage.

The announcement was made as the government prepares to release its 10-year Infrastructure Strategy, which will focus on delivering long-term investment to boost local economies, job creation and community resilience. The new flooding programme is intended to demonstrate that strategy in action.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the investment would tackle what he described as the “crumbling” state of existing flood defences.

“We will leave no stone unturned to protect our citizens,” he added.

Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy said the money would fund both new schemes and the repair of existing assets, amid rising risks from climate change. He said the funding would “be welcome news for businesses and homeowners”.

The programme includes planned interventions in cities and towns such as Oxford, Portsmouth, Derby and Blackpool. A total of £4.2bn is earmarked for the first three years (2026/27 to 2028/29), to cover capital projects and maintenance.

A parallel consultation will consider changes to the bidding process for flood defence funding, with the aim of reducing the burden on smaller councils and distributing money more equitably.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs is the client for the programme. No details have yet been released on procurement routes, contract types or lead design teams.

Source: Construction News UK

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