The government division in charge of dealing with flood-related problems is the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and has released preliminary information on spending for the next four years. Although exact budgets have yet to be finalized, the final amount to be allocated to flooding and coastal erosion is projected to be at least £ 2.16 billion (which equates to an average of £ 540 million per year) . In recent years, DEFRA has invested an additional £ 50 million each year to tackle flood-related problems, yet in the current economic climate they are forced to make big cuts (as are many other government departments ).
The forecasted figures are about 8% less than the £ 590 million annually (invested in the last four years) and the savings are offset by ‘efficiencies in delivery and acquisition, and better prioritization based on risk’. These techniques emerge in response to the October 2010 Spending Review, where government departments have been made to resolve spending budgets through 2014-2015. In the last 4 years DEFRA claims to have exceeded the projected goal of increasing flood protection for 145,000 homes (estimating that the final figure would be closer to 170,000 properties with greater security) thanks to the work carried out by the Environment Agency and other operating authorities.
The same identical objective (145,000 properties) is established for the next 4 years, although it is possible that reaching it will not be so simple with a reduced budget. The roughly £ 2.1 billion will be divided into £ 1 billion in working capital (roughly £ 261 million per year) and £ 1,100 to be spent on resources. Resources consist of maintaining existing defenses, flood forecasting capabilities, and developing incident response; creating “program” expenses. The expenses also cover the costs of administering the staff and running the office. DEFRA also states that it “remains dedicated to fully financing the new charges from local authorities under the Flood and Water Management Law.”
DEFRA plans to provide up to £ 36 million a year to lead local flood authorities, although in 2011-2012 the amount will approach £ 21 million during ‘phase-in’. Local authority spending is also supported by a formula grant from the Department of Communities and Local Government, and between 2008 and 2011, the £ 2.15 billion invested included around £ 280 million in government contributions local. The formula grant and area-based grant are left to local authorities to choose how they are spent and allocated locally, within the constraints of the general limits of local budgets and the possible need to invest in other local priorities.
When it comes to flooding, preparation must begin at home. Making individual homes and businesses resilient or flood resistant is a smart precaution for homeowners. Even with millions of pounds invested in flood defense nationwide, the government makes no guarantees that you will be protected in the event of flooding. Taking precautionary measures to make your property less prone to flood damage will not only help protect your home and home, but will likely contribute to a lower insurance policy rate.
