As extreme weather events become more frequent, flooding has emerged as a critical issue affecting communities across the UK. With millions of livelihoods at risk, the Government has finally announced a record £2.65 billion investment in UK flood defences.

Following a series of devastating storms, the Environment Agency published England’s updated flood risk data in December 2024. The new figures indicate that 6.3 million properties are at risk of flooding—a 43% increase compared to the 2018 assessment. This rise is attributed to more advanced data modelling, the inclusion of newly built properties, and the increasing impact of climate change. The picture of flood risk is now clearer than ever.

A Record Investment in Flood Defences

On 4th February 2025, the Government announced a two-year investment of £2.65 billion to construct and maintain up to 1,000 flood defences, providing protection for 66,500 properties. Severe flooding continues to have devastating consequences for communities, causing extensive damage to homes and businesses and costing the UK economy billions of pounds each year.

Decisive action to adapt to climate change has never been more crucial, and this investment reflects the kind of proactive approach that communities have long been calling for. However, while national efforts to bolster flood resilience are essential, local challenges remain largely unaddressed.

The Role of Local Authorities and Community Response

Local councils, community activists, and builders’ merchants are at the frontline of flood response, particularly in cases of flash flooding, which now threatens 4.6 million properties in England. These groups are often the first responders, supplying essential flood protection items such as sandbags, barriers, and emergency kits. Despite their pivotal role, national policies frequently overlook them, and they remain underfunded when it comes to flood relief efforts.

For a truly effective and impactful flood strategy, this must change.

The Importance of Immediate Flood Protection

Fernco Managing Director Lee Pashley emphasises the need for immediate flood protection measures in vulnerable areas:

"Quick, simple, and effective flood protection is essential in safeguarding communities. It isn’t just about having the best products, but also about equipping and resourcing community leaders so they can respond swiftly to flood events.

"While the Government is investing billions into flood defence, we believe action must also be taken to make flood protection products more accessible to communities, ensuring near-instantaneous protection. This is particularly critical for those most at risk, including the elderly, disabled, and residents in high-risk flood zones. Addressing the immediate risks, as well as investing in long-term solutions, would be a much-needed shift in flood response strategy."

The Need for a Coordinated National Strategy

Pashley further stresses the importance of community-based flood protection:

"A national strategy that incorporates coordinated action plans, better supplier involvement, and enhanced community engagement is urgently required. Such measures would help community leaders to better understand and respond to flood risks.

"At Fernco, we are committed to working closely with builders' merchants and local authorities to supply essential flood protection products when they are needed most. But more importantly, we are dedicated to raising awareness of flood safety. By increasing the availability of affordable, effective flood solutions in vulnerable areas, we aim to protect more people from the devastating impacts of flooding."

A Call for Action

Flooding is no longer a rare event; it is an increasing reality for millions of people across the UK. While the Government’s investment is a step in the right direction, more must be done at a local level to ensure communities are properly resourced, educated, and prepared.

By fostering collaboration between authorities, businesses, and community leaders, and by improving accessibility to flood protection products, the UK can take meaningful steps towards mitigating the risks of future flooding events and ensuring that no community faces the devastation of flooding alone.