The leak from Defra reveals a significant decline in UK flood defence conditions.
- Flood defences rated as adequate fell from 97.9% in 2018/2019 to 92.6% currently.
- Government sources have expressed concern over the sub-optimal levels of defence readiness.
- A newly formed Flood Resilience Taskforce aims to address these deficiencies.
- Significant investment is deemed crucial to improving the nation’s flood risk management.
A recent leak from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to the Guardian has unveiled a concerning drop in the conditions of UK flood defences. According to the findings, the percentage of flood defences rated as adequate has decreased from 97.9% in 2018/2019 to a current 92.6%.
This reduction in adequately rated defences has prompted government insiders to label the figures as ‘significantly below’ the optimal level of 98%. Notably, the Guardian reports that for every 1% drop in adequate flood defences, an additional 10,000 properties face the threat of flooding. With the Met Office predicting a wetter than average autumn, the risk of flooding looms large.
In response to these alarming statistics, the government has established a Flood Resilience Taskforce. The taskforce, first meeting under the leadership of Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on 12 September, seeks to bring together government bodies, communities, and emergency services to enhance flood preparedness.
As noted by the Environment Agency at the taskforce’s initial meeting, 170,000 checks on asset conditions were conducted in the last year—a notable increase of 100,000 compared to an average year. The agency has also increased its maintenance and repair expenditure from £200 million to £236 million to manage these risks effectively.
Innes Thomson, Chief Executive of ADA, emphasized the inevitable decline in flood defence conditions due to what is described as ‘significant under-investment’ in their maintenance. Thomson underscored the urgent need for improved flood risk management as a foundational element for the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing amidst changing climate conditions.
The deterioration in flood defence conditions highlights the urgent need for strategic investment and management to safeguard against future flooding risks.
