UK needs £1.5 billion yearly for flood defences

Experts are warning the UK government that it needs to spend at least £1.5 billion a year on flood defences. This advice comes from a report by Public First, which highlights the growing risks of flooding for both people and infrastructure. Currently, nearly 2 million people in the UK are at risk of flooding each year. That’s about the total population of Birmingham, Sheffield, and Newcastle combined. A significant portion of England’s critical infrastructure, including roads and energy networks, is also under threat. The costs of flooding are high. Each year, flood damage leads to losses of about £2.4 billion. On top of that, ongoing flooding has a long-term impact, costing the economy approximately £6.1 billion every year due to reduced growth. At present, the UK government invests £1.3 billion in flood defences, which is lower than the £1.5 billion recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission. The future funding for flood defences is uncertain and under review by the Treasury. Emma Howard Boyd, a key author of the report, stressed the need for increased investment in flood resilience. She noted that every £1 spent on flood defences can save around £8 in damage, with significant benefits for government-owned infrastructure. Flood risk is escalating throughout the country. Recent data shows that about 6.3 million properties, including homes and businesses, are in areas prone to flooding. If climate change trends continue, this number could rise to 8 million by 2050. Howard Boyd also pointed out the potential danger of new housing developments. Over 100,000 new homes might be built on high-risk flood plains unless the government takes action. This situation raises serious concerns for residents and their properties. Insurance experts are advocating against building new homes in flood-prone areas. A significant survey revealed that 66% of people feel unprepared for future flooding events. Additionally, many of the constituencies most vulnerable to flooding are held by the Labour Party.