The Environment Agency has announced that over £110 million in funding will benefit approximately 40 flood schemes in Wiltshire, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Dorset. This investment aims to safeguard homes, stimulate the local economy, and create jobs.
This funding follows the government’s commitment to allocate a record-breaking £2.65 billion over a two-year period to develop new flood schemes and maintain existing ones. Today, on March 31, 2025, the Environment Agency unveiled a list of communities set to benefit from these projects this year.
With this financial boost, the construction of these flood protection schemes can start or progress towards completion. The funded projects include:
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Bath Flood Defence Scheme: Replacing Twerton Gates to manage the risk of failure and maintain river levels, with an investment of £3.5 million, expected to enhance the protection of 1,186 properties by the end of the 2025/26 financial year.
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Bridgwater Tidal Barrier: Allocated £47.2 million and projected to be operational by 2027, significantly improving protection for 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses from tidal flooding in Bridgwater and nearby areas, providing an estimated £2 billion in benefits to the local community.
This investment is a key component of the Government’s Plan for Change, focused on ensuring security for individuals and revitalizing the nation. It is poised to drive economic growth in local communities by safeguarding businesses, generating employment opportunities, and fostering a stable economy in the face of increasing flood threats due to climate change.
Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, emphasized the priority of protecting communities from flooding and assured that the schemes in Wessex will bring welcome relief to homeowners and businesses. The focus now is on collaborating with local councils and Regional Flood and Coastal Committees to ensure timely delivery of these schemes, maximizing protection for as many properties as possible.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy, speaking from personal experience, highlighted the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens through supporting flood defense projects in Wessex. This is intended to provide long-term protection while also boosting local growth and creating new jobs.