Just weeks after a series of storms wreaked havoc across England and Wales, the Environment Agency has released new flood risk data, revealing a significant increase in properties at risk. The latest figures indicate that 6.3 million properties in England are vulnerable to flooding from rivers, the sea, or surface water—a 43% rise from the previous 2018 assessment. This sharp increase highlights the urgent need for stronger flood resilience measures nationwide.

Using advanced modelling and data, the National Assessment of Flood Risk (NaFRA) now provides a more accurate picture of both current and future flood threats. In response, the government is committing £1 billion over the next 12 months to strengthen flood defences, with the Environment Agency leading the charge. However, addressing this escalating crisis requires more than national funding—local action is just as crucial.

The Local Impact of Flooding

Recent storms—Conall, Darragh, and Bert—have left widespread devastation, affecting thousands of homes and businesses. In many cases, the immediate flood response falls to local authorities, community activists, and builders’ merchants, who step in to provide essential supplies and expertise. Yet, despite their vital role, these local players are often overlooked in national policies and funding allocations.

The updated NaFRA data shows that 4.6 million properties are at risk of surface water flooding, the most common type of flooding caused by overwhelmed drainage systems. Tackling this issue requires not only large-scale government initiatives but also stronger grassroots collaboration to ensure rapid, effective responses.

Fernco: Supporting Communities Through Collaboration

At Fernco, we recognise that floodwater presents one of the greatest challenges to homeowners and businesses. As a trusted supplier of flood protection products, we are committed to working alongside builders’ merchants and local authorities to provide the necessary tools to respond swiftly and effectively.

Our flood protection range is quick, simple, and highly effective, designed to safeguard properties and minimise damage. But our commitment extends beyond supplying products—we actively raise awareness about flood preparedness and work to ensure that essential flood defence solutions are readily available in high-risk areas.

Building a Resilient Future

With climate change driving more frequent and severe storms, a coordinated national and local strategy is more important than ever. To create truly effective flood resilience, we must:

• Equip local authorities and communities with the necessary resources to respond to flood risks.
• Ensure accessibility to flood protection products, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled.
• Encourage proactive measures that help mitigate the effects of flash floods and prolonged flooding events.

At Fernco, we are committed to collaborating with builders’ merchants and local authorities to enhance community flood resilience. By ensuring that merchants are well-stocked and local authorities have the right tools, we can help protect more people and properties from the devastating impacts of flooding.

A Call to Action

Flood resilience is a shared responsibility. National policies must be reinforced by local action, with every stakeholder playing a role in protecting communities from the increasing risk of floods.

At Fernco, we stand by our commitment to supporting flood preparedness, ensuring that no community is left vulnerable when floodwaters rise. Now is the time for greater collaboration, investment, and action to safeguard homes, businesses, and infrastructure for the future.