This policy statement sets out the Government’s policy on flood and coastal erosion risk management and their long-term ambition to create a nation more resilient to future flood and coastal erosion risk. It forms part of their wider commitment to tackle climate change.
It has been informed by the Environment Agency’s consultation exercise on the updated National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy, the results of the Government’s Call for Evidence in 2019 and advice from the National Infrastructure Commission and the Committee on Climate Change. The Environment Agency has published a National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England (see separate news item), which provides a framework to guide flood and coastal erosion risk management activities and together with this policy statement, the 2 documents will ensure better long-term resilience to flooding and coastal erosion.
The Policy Statement sets out five policy areas:
- Upgrading and expanding our national flood defences and infrastructure. Over the next six years, government will invest £5.2 billion in the flood and coastal defence programme in England.
- Managing the flow of water more effectively through an integrated approach to managing water.
- Harnessing the power of nature to reduce flood and coastal erosion risk and achieve multiple benefits.
- Better preparing our communities.
- Enabling more resilient places through a catchment-based approach.
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