Local councils warn that without urgent extra government funding for flood protections, vulnerable areas face catastrophic flooding and economic devastation due to maintenance cuts and re-prioritisation by the Environment Agency.

Internal drainage boards, funded via council levies on council tax and property, face increased burdens; levy costs have risen substantially while current federal support is insufficient to cover growing costs.

The Association of Drainage Authorities notes many rivers are manmade channels whose flood capacity erodes when maintenance drops, calling out the lack of long-term planning and transparency in cost-shifting.

Analysis identifies vulnerable hotspots such as Somerton on the River Cary, Glastonbury on the River Brue, and Langport on the River Yeo at risk of repeated floods if funding gaps persist.

Industry bodies warn of a disconnect between central funding and long-term flood protection needs, forecasting broader economic and agricultural damage if maintenance is neglected.

The funding issue is framed as a fairness and common-sense problem, pushing for government action to prevent widespread damage and taxpayer burden.

Together with the Association of Drainage Authorities, Wright stresses that ongoing maintenance, funded transparently with long-term plans, is essential to avert large-scale damages.

Defra defends funding with a record 10.5 billion flood investment through 2036 and notes 100 million pounds re-prioritised for urgent maintenance to balance new projects with asset upkeep.

Experts argue that shifting funding from central to local government burdens residents with higher insurance costs and weaker public services if maintenance funding declines.

Internal Drainage Boards manage protection for about a tenth of England’s land and rely on local levies; funding shifts threaten their ability to maintain essential drainage.

Key quotes warn of potentially catastrophic flooding and economic devastation if maintenance is not adequately funded.

DCN chairman Richard Wright says small maintenance costs nationally mask huge local impacts, urging fair, sustained funding to prevent future misery.