Collaborative Efforts Unfold: Floods Minister and Environment Agency Unite to Enhance Flood Resilience and Recovery

Floods Minister Emma Hardy assembled another meeting with the Chief Executive of Environment Agency, Philip Duffy, this afternoon to deliberate on the country’s reaction to the recent flooding incidents.

Throughout the gathering, the Floods Minister received updates on the current conditions on the ground and the response being coordinated by the Environment Agency alongside the emergency services. She also reviewed the additional measures being taken to safeguard communities in the coming days, as minor flooding remains a possibility in some regions until Thursday. Together, they explored ways to further assist the collaborative efforts of the Environment Agency, emergency responders, and local councils in addressing flooding.

Safeguarding communities nationwide from flooding and coastal dilapidation stands among the Government’s key priorities. This is why £2.4 billion is being allocated over the next two years to enhance the nation’s resilience, crucial for preserving homes and businesses across the country.

This meeting occurs amidst a blend of snowmelt and saturated catchments, leading to further disruptions in certain areas of England, particularly the Midlands, following significant rainfall over the New Year which caused notable river and surface water flooding in the North West of England and Yorkshire.

Since New Year’s Eve, the Environment Agency estimates that over 41,000 properties have been protected, but unfortunately, at least 300 properties have been flooded, with additional reports of flooding under investigation.

The Environment Agency continues to oversee the forecasts and river levels. Its ongoing message to the public is to check their flood risk, enlist for free flood alerts, and stay informed about the latest developments.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy stated:

This afternoon, I convened an urgent meeting with the Environment Agency regarding the ongoing flooding emergency.

My thoughts are with the individuals, businesses, and communities affected by the recent flooding throughout the nation.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the essential work that the Environment Agency and emergency services are undertaking to ensure public safety. It is imperative that people continue to heed their guidance and register for flood warnings.

This Government is moving swiftly to accelerate the construction of flood defenses through our new Floods Resilience Taskforce and investing £2.4 billion, ensuring we can maintain the protection of individuals and their residences.

Chief Executive Philip Duffy remarked:

My thoughts are with those affected by the flooding over the past week. We will persist in supporting inundated communities, and I wish to extend my gratitude to the teams from the Environment Agency and our partners for their relentless dedication this week.

As the threat of flooding escalates due to climate change, I want to assure everyone that we are intensifying our efforts in repairing and maintaining flood defenses and collaborating with communities across the country to prepare for future wet weather.

The Government is collaborating closely with the Environment Agency to boost preparations as we navigate through the winter season, swiftly incorporating the lessons learned from recent floods into the new Floods Resilience Taskforce. This taskforce is expediting the implementation of flood defenses and improving our national preparedness to protect communities from extreme weather conditions.

Environment Agency teams remain active on-site, operating flood defenses, taking measures to mitigate the effects of flooding, issuing flood alerts, and assisting the affected communities.

Individuals can assess their flood risk, register for free flood warnings, stay updated with the current situation, and follow @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood information.