The UK Government has committed £50 million to bolster Somerset’s defenses against escalating flood risks, safeguarding residents, farmers, and businesses from future disasters.
This significant funding will be directed to Somerset Council to implement a comprehensive range of flood protection initiatives. These include constructing robust defense schemes, adopting nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, upgrading water infrastructure, and enhancing the maintenance of rivers and waterways.
This urgent action follows Somerset’s second wettest January on record, where rainfall exceeded twice the average levels. The unprecedented weather led Somerset Council to declare a major incident as flooding persisted into February, severely impacting communities and the local economy.
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By investing in these measures, the government aims to alleviate the pressure on emergency services and empower communities to better withstand the increasing threats posed by climate change.
As one of England’s key agricultural regions, protecting Somerset’s farmers is crucial. The funding will support resilience against extreme weather events, sustaining rural livelihoods and helping to stabilize food supply chains and costs across the country.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the commitment, stating, “Somerset has faced the full force of extreme weather this year, which I witnessed firsthand. The communities here deserve more than a temporary fix, which is why this Government is investing now.”
She added that the £50 million investment is designed to protect homes, farms, and livelihoods in Somerset “for years to come.”
Somerset Council leader Bill Revans expressed gratitude for the government’s responsiveness: “We appreciate the minister’s visit during the major incident and the engagement with our council, partners, and residents. This vital funding responds to our urgent call for action. This winter has demonstrated how vulnerable Somerset’s unique environment is to climate change impacts, underscoring the need to enhance community resilience.”