Somerset Council has announced a comprehensive plan to spend a £50 million central government grant over the next five years to enhance flood defences and resilience across the county.
The funding was allocated by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in early June, following severe disruptions caused by Storm Chandra during the recent winter. Since then, the council has collaborated closely with the Environment Agency (EA), the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), and other partners to finalise a series of projects aimed at mitigating future flooding risks.
On Wednesday 23 September, the council’s executive committee approved a final portfolio of 15 projects to be implemented using this funding. A preliminary allocation of approximately £650,000 has already been designated to support communities in preparation for the upcoming winter season.
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Of the total £50 million grant, £42.5 million is capital funding, earmarked for new infrastructure such as pumping stations and flood defences, while £7.5 million is revenue funding to cover staffing and administrative expenses. The entire sum is expected to be expended by October 2028.
Prioritisation has focused on projects that can be efficiently delivered or are already well-advanced in design, ensuring timely implementation. Around one-quarter of the investment will be directed towards Taunton and the wider River Tone catchment area.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, climate change and environment, expressed gratitude to Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke for her persistent advocacy with central government. She described the programme as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to enact transformational change for Somerset’s communities.
Councillor Smith-Roberts stated, “This £50 million flood resilience programme is unprecedented in scale and ambition. Although the two-year timeframe is challenging, we are committed to delivering balanced benefits countywide by investing in diverse projects and locations, tackling various flood risks and establishing a lasting legacy for Somerset.”
Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for highways and transport, also welcomed the funding. He emphasised the importance of monitoring the downstream and upstream effects of flood work and ensuring a cohesive overall strategy.
To oversee the delivery of the projects, the council has established a Flood Resilience Fund Programme Advisory Group (PAG) that includes representatives from the Environment Agency, Somerset Rivers Authority, South Somerset District Council, and other key bodies.
Council leader Bill Revans, representing North Petherton - an area previously affected by flooding - expressed confidence that the planned improvements will offer increased protection and assurance to many residents. He noted, “While no flood scheme can guarantee total prevention, our goal is to minimise impacts, shorten flood durations, and strengthen community support during flood events.”
In addition to infrastructure works, the council will collaborate with the SRA during October’s Somerset Flood Awareness Month. This initiative includes events, information sessions in local libraries, and culminates in the Somerset Prepared community resilience day on 21 October at Millfield School in Street. The day will feature talks, workshops, demonstrations, and networking opportunities involving local councils, community groups, specialists, and businesses.
Through this multifaceted approach, Somerset Council aims to enhance the county’s flood defences and build greater resilience among its communities over the coming years.