William Eichler 17 March 2026

£1.4bn flood defence funding announced

£1.4bn flood defence funding announced image
Flooding © Jason Salmon / Shutterstock.com.

The Government has announced a £1.4bn investment in flood defences to better protect homes, businesses and infrastructure across England.

The funding will support more than 600 projects, including new flood barriers, strengthened embankments and nature-based schemes designed to reduce water flow into vulnerable communities.

The programme aims to safeguard tens of thousands of properties, forming part of a wider £10.5bn commitment to flood protection between 2024 and 2036.

An additional £260m will be used to repair and maintain existing defences, including those damaged by recent storms, ensuring they remain effective during extreme weather events.

Ministers say the investment will not only protect communities but also boost economic resilience, with every £1 spent expected to prevent around £8 in potential damage.

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 (Pro rata)
Cleaner Grade 1, £24,796 (Pro rata) Permanent, part time. 12.5 hours per week Currently 3.30pm to 6pm Monday to Friday (subject to change depending on Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Outreach Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£32,597 - £36,363
Outreach Support Assistant x 6 Grade 8, £32,597 - £36,363 Permanent, full time. Required to start ASAP.   We are seeking to appoint to the Secondary O Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Tenant Support

Durham County Council
Grade 2 - £24,796 - £25,185 (pro-rata)
If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will understand the value they place on independence. This role will give you the opportunity to work Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Care and Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 - £25,583 - £26,824 (pro-rata)
We currently have multiple vacancies available including permament part time and a casual role. If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will u Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Data Science and Innovation Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 12 £44,075 to £48,226 per annum
We are looking to appoint two enthusiastic, hardworking, and motivated Data Scence and Innovation Officers to join Durham’s Data & Insight service. On Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner