Floods Minister Emma Hardy backs a national flood-resilience push, highlighting government aims to safeguard 200,000 properties and the launch of Flood Action Online to help residents assess risk, access guidance, and view Met Office warnings.

The government has committed 4.2 billion to flood defences and related investments to bolster resilience against future extreme weather.

Flood Action Online serves as a single portal for residents to check flood risk, guidance, and real-time warnings during incidents.

El Niño is likely to bring wetter-than-normal conditions this autumn and winter, increasing flood risk nationwide.

Agency director Caroline Douglass stressed the need for public preparation and readying response teams, pumps, and barriers for the winter season.

Missy and Stanley’s Tale, part of a broader resilience campaign, aims to raise public awareness about flood risk ahead of winter.

Director Åsa Lucander of Aardman described the film as a heartfelt what-if scenario designed to heighten awareness and preparedness for flooding.

A cross-sector taskforce will involve more than 50 organizations, including the Environment Agency, Met Office, Fire and Rescue Services, farming, and the water industry.

Sefton, Thurrock and Hackney are among England’s areas with the highest surface water flood risk, according to Environment Agency data.

By March 2026, 93% of flood-defence assets met or exceeded required condition, with a target raised to 93.5% by March 2029.

The Environment Agency highlighted its operational capacity with 260 mobile pumps (including 17 ultra-high-volume pumps), 25 kilometres of temporary barriers, and a 24/7 emergency response with 600 staff on call.

A dedicated Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce will meet this week, with the Flood Action Week marking its first meeting on 14 October to bolster planning and preparedness for extreme weather.