William Eichler 23 November 2021

Over one million homes at risk of flooding

Over one million homes at risk of flooding image

As many as 1.5 million households in the UK are at risk of flooding but are yet to take any action, the Environment Agency has said.

The agency has issued the warning to coincide with Flood Action Week and an alert from the Met Office that there is an above average likelihood of a wet winter.

The research used by the agency shows that people who haven’t taken action to prepare for flooding are in the minority (30%). However, this still means that as many as 1.5 million households, who are at risk, are yet to prepare.

‘Now is the time for us all to be vigilant, not complacent, about flooding,’ said Caroline Douglass, executive director of flooding at the Environment Agency.

‘Our previous investment programme protected 314,000 properties from flooding. Our flood defences have helped to protect nearly 200,000 properties during flooding incidents since 2019, and we’re investing millions into building new schemes and making repairs to keep communities safe.

‘Yet we can’t prevent all flooding – climate change is only increasing that risk – and today’s figures show that while some people are prepared, many are not.’

She added: ‘It’s vitally important for the public to go online and check if they are at risk, sign up for Environment Agency warnings, and know what to do if flooding hits.’

Will Lang, head of civil contingencies at the Met Office said: ‘Winters in the UK usually includes a wide variety of weather and this winter looks to be no exception. However, when looking at the big global drivers that impact weather in the UK there are indications this winter could be wetter than normal.

‘Although these wetter conditions are most likely in January and February next year, details will become clearer nearer the time and information can be found on the forecast pages of our website.’

The Environment Agency’s warning follows research by the centre-right think-tank, Localis, showing that almost 200 local authority planning permissions have been granted on floodplain lands this year alone – involving some 5,283 homes.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner