Risk Management

Future Flood Risk Could Increase

A committee of MPs has warned the government that funding for flood defences needs to increase to £1bn a year in the long term to cope with climate change.

A report published by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee urged ministers to act immediately. There are fears that flood risk could increase twenty-fold.

This would mean significant housing developments proposed in flood plains against the agencies advice would be referred.

• In 2004, 693 houses built within flood risk areas against agency advice.
• Less than 60% of applications consulted about the possible risks.

The agency estimates more than five million people and two million homes and businesses in England and Wales are at risk of flooding, putting assets valued £250bn at risk.

• Government spending had increased from 307 million in 1996-1997 to £600 million in 2005-2006.

"The government's comprehensive spending review in 2007 will set spending levels for the following three years." - Defra Spokesman

September 2007