Local Authorities Awarded £16 Million for UK Flood Protection
A £16 million fund has been set up by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to help support local councils protect from the results of climate change such as flooding.
A total 77 local authorities are supported by the fund as they are considered most threatened by surface water flooding, based on studies into the effects of severe rainfall.
£9.7 million has been awarded to those in need currently, leaving the £5 million left up to auction for the local authorities. The £9.7 million already granted will be given out between now and 2011.
Recent unpredictable weather in the UK is due to climate change, meaning impermeable surfaces in built up areas increase the risk of surface water flooding. Discussing the reasons behind the fund, Benn said: "Local authorities have a crucial role to play in tackling flooding and it's vital that they have the information, resources and skills they need.
"That's why we've provided this money and we want to make sure it gets to where it's most needed and where it can make the biggest difference - especially as we know that climate change will cause increased severe rainfall in future and bring with it an increased risk of surface water flooding."
More than 57,000 homes were affected in 2007 by severe surface water flooding; climate change predictions suggest heavier rain is becoming more and more likely.
Details of how the local authorities can bid for the £5 million left and how bids will be assessed will be published by Defra in the next few weeks. It has been indicated that innovative suggestions for tackling surface water flooding, particularly in rural areas, will be more than welcomed.
£1 million will be spent by Defra on managing the accessibility of training, data and other tools to help the local authorities control flood risk.
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