Refurbishing existing flood defences will be given equal importance as new projects to address aging infrastructure and increase resilience.

At least 20% of the total investment will be dedicated to helping the most deprived communities in England over the next decade.

Funding will be allocated based on value for money, with additional contributions from businesses, wildlife groups, and farm clusters to enhance project approval chances.

The UK Government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of flood defence funding, focusing on protecting deprived communities and updating allocation rules for the first time since 2011.

Floods minister Emma Hardy emphasized that these reforms aim to streamline funding processes, support economic growth, and help communities recover faster after floods.

Caroline Douglass from the Environment Agency highlighted the importance of the new strategy in responding to climate change and supporting a broader range of flood risk projects, including natural flood management methods.

The government plans to invest £10.5 billion up to 2036 in new flood defences and infrastructure repairs, aiming to protect nearly 900,000 homes across England.

Starting from April next year, all flood defence projects valued at £3 million or less will receive full government funding, while larger projects will get at least 90% of costs covered.

The new approach emphasizes natural flood management strategies, such as restoring flood plains, creating leaky dams, and planting trees, to enhance sustainability and ecological benefits.

Funding priorities will be based on value for money, with contributions encouraged from businesses, wildlife groups, and farm clusters to support project approval.