Government reveals £12m flood defence plan for Hebden Bridge

The measures set out in the new plan for the country include investment of £5.2 billion to create around 2,000 new flood and coastal defences to better protect 336,000 properties in England by 2027, alongside support to help households and businesses get back on their feet more quickly after flooding.

The plans also include £200m for projects such as sustainable drainage systems and nature-based solutions. like temporary or permanent water storage areas which also boost wildlife.

These will support 25 areas at risk of flooding to test and demonstrate innovative actions to adapt to a changing climate and improve their resilience.

In addition, up to £170m will be spent to accelerate work on shovel-ready flood defence schemes that will begin construction in 2020 or 2021.

A total of 22 areas across the country will benefit from this immediate boost to jobs supporting the local economy as communities recover from the impact of coronavirus

One of these areas will be Hebden Bridge where £12m has been designated for its flood defence scheme.

The scheme will provide better protection in the Calder Valley, which was badly affected by flooding last winter, with extra protection along the river while being sympathetic to the importance of the river in the picturesque town, and increasing the resilience of businesses.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “The devastating impacts of last winter’s flooding were an important reminder of the need to continue to invest and accelerate action to reduce the impact of flooding on our communities.

“Our record investment and ambitious policies will better protect homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, but we also recognise that we cannot prevent flooding entirely, which is why we will ensure that communities at high risk are more resilient.

“Working closely with the Environment Agency, local authorities, business and the third sector we will create a better protected and prepared nation.”

These announcements come ahead of the publication of the Environment Agency’s long-term Flood and Coast Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England, which will be published later today and sets out how the Environment Agency will work with communities to deliver the government’s plan.

Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: “For every £1 spent improving protection from flooding and coastal erosion, we avoid around £5 of property damages. The long-term commitments announced today will make homes, businesses and infrastructure more resilient to the accelerating impacts of the climate crisis.

“Many communities are all too familiar with flooding, and now the risk is increasing for others too. The Environment Agency is champing at the bit to deliver on the Government’s investment with better, and greener, flood schemes. Detail about how we will do this is set out in our strategy.”