Laura Sharman 14 July 2020

Calls to devolve £5.2bn flood defences funding

Councils have called for funding for flood defences to be devolved to local areas, after the Government announced its new long-term plan to tackle flooding in England.

The plan includes £5.2bn investment to create 2,000 new flood and coastal defences, and £200m for projects such as sustainable drainage systems.

An extra £170m will also be spent on accelerating shovel-ready flood defence schemes.

Cllr David Renard, environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: ‘Funding for flood defences needs to be devolved to local areas to ensure money is directed towards projects that best reflect local needs, which includes protecting key roads and bridges to keep local residents and businesses moving.

’It is good that flood defence construction schemes will be fast-tracked, and while the Bellwin scheme for emergency flood relief funding is vital for councils, it often doesn’t cover the clean-up costs. Councils need to be able to access funding for these purposes, more easily and more quickly.’

Photo: seeshooteatrepeat / Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Positive Journeys Support

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598 p.a. Grade 5
We are excited to be expanding our Positive Behavioural Support Team within County Durham and currently have a 30 hour vacancy and 2x 35 hours vaccnci Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Manager

Durham County Council
£50,269 - £54,495
An opportunity has arisen in the Highways Services for a Structures Manager    WHAT IS INVOLVED?  The post holder will be responsible for providing a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,383 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Project Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 to £39,152 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping the future of local government? Durham County Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation, and we Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Learning Support Assistants

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022
Learning Support Assistants Grade 6   £28,142 - £31,022 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary  - Required from 1st November 2025 (or sooner  if possible) un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner