Leicestershire Floods: A Recurring Nightmare

Leicestershire has been hit by severe floods for two consecutive Januarys, leaving residents anxious about future rainfall. In January 2024, Storm Henk caused extensive damage, with one family investing over £30,000 to protect their home. A year later, in January 2025, further flooding impacted 883 properties and disrupted over 100 businesses, with no government grants available for those affected.

Experts point to a combination of factors, including extensive farmland drainage systems designed to quickly channel water into rivers like the Soar, and increased impermeable surfaces from new developments. A significant portion of new homes in the Charnwood Borough Council area were built in flood-prone zones between 2019 and 2022.

Flood defences, maintained by a patchwork of bodies including local councils and the Environment Agency, are facing unprecedented strain due to climate change and record rainfall. While some defences rank highly in inspections, data suggests they are more likely to fail when not maintained by the Environment Agency. Investigations into the causes of the 2024 and 2025 floods are underway, with action plans to outline future improvements.