A surge in flood defence costs is threatening to divert essential funding away from crucial services in high-risk areas, local councils have warned. The District Councils’ Network, representing 169 English councils, reports a 28% average increase in costs over the past two years, driven by rising energy and fuel prices, extreme weather events, and wage hikes.
Internal drainage boards, responsible for managing flood risks and water levels, face significant cost pressures, impacting nearly one million properties, 50,000 farms, 56 power stations, and critical infrastructure. Councils, tasked with funding these boards through council tax, must now allocate more resources to flood defence, potentially compromising other essential services like waste collection, adult social care, and libraries.
Councils urge the government to reform funding for flood alleviation bodies to address the growing cost burden and ensure adequate protection for vulnerable communities. Failure to do so may leave high-risk areas exposed to increased flood risk and reduced access to vital services.”
