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Deprived Communities to Receive Guaranteed Flood Defense Funding
14 Oct
Summary
- £10.5 billion to be spent on new and existing flood defenses by 2036
- At least 20% of future investment to protect most deprived communities
- New rules to ensure full government funding for projects under £3 million
As of October 14th, 2025, the UK government has announced major reforms to its flood defense funding system, aiming to better protect deprived communities across the country. The changes, the first since 2011, will overhaul a complex process that previously put councils with limited resources at a disadvantage.
Under the new rules, the government is committing £10.5 billion over the next decade to build new flood defenses and repair existing infrastructure, safeguarding nearly 900,000 homes. Crucially, at least 20% of this future investment will be set aside to help shield the most deprived communities in England.
Additionally, from April 2026, all prioritized flood defense projects valued at £3 million or less will be eligible for full government funding. For larger schemes above that threshold, the first £3 million will be fully funded, with the government contributing 90% of the remaining costs.
