South West Flooding Defense Gets £46M Boost

The government has committed more than £46 million to 70 schemes across the South West of England to bolster defenses against flooding and coastal erosion. This significant investment will see 49 flood defence facilities and projects in Devon receive over £35.5 million, and 21 in Cornwall awarded approximately £11 million. These allocations are part of a broader three-year, £4.2 billion national strategy designed to protect homes, businesses, and local amenities from increasing flood risks. The new funding policy is scheduled to commence on April 1, 2026, and will conclude in March 2029.

Environment Minister Emma Reynolds emphasized that this funding will significantly improve protection against various flood sources, including rivers, the sea, and surface water. Specific areas in Cornwall such as Bude, St Ives, Portreath, and Helston will see enhanced flood defenses. Similarly, Axminster, Exeter, Paignton, and Powderham in Devon are slated to benefit. While welcoming the allocated funds, some local representatives noted that certain areas, like Torcross and Beesands, were overlooked despite facing severe storm damage earlier in the year, highlighting ongoing concerns about coastal defense restoration.