Homes and businesses in Solihull are better protected from flooding now that the Conservative Government has exceeded its target to boost flood protection by 2026–27.
Investment in flood defences has been spread across every region of England, with Solihull receiving £455,000 in investment since 2015.
The £2.6 billion six-year programmes of work dedicated to improving flood and coastal defences has exceeded its original targets–with over 314,000 homes now better protected from flooding.
The Conservative Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Investment Plan outlines how a record£5.2 billion of investment over the next six years will be spent, including more than £860 million in2021–22 on boosting the design and construction of more than 1,000 flooding alleviation schemes.
More than 850 new flood and coastal erosion defence projects have already been completed. Over580,000 acres of agricultural land, as well as thousands of businesses, communities and major infrastructure, have been protected–including more than 8,000 kilometres of roads.
The Conservative Government’sfundingprioritisedareas where flood defences were needed the most, supporting communities at high risk of flooding. New flood schemes in the most deprived parts of the country have also qualified for funding at 2.25 times the rate of other areas.
According to estimates, the programme has saved the economy more than £28 billion in damages to homes and businesses through the extra protection provided to communities across the country.
Julian Knight MP said, "Flooding can devastate communities, including here in Solihull, and so we must put in place protections to protect our homes and livelihoods from the impact of extreme weather. That is why I welcome the £455,000 invested already by the Conservative Government to protect homes and businesses in Solihull with flood alleviation schemes–helping to protect homes from flooding and coastal erosion. This investment is helping to guard our homes and families against the devastating impact of flooding, giving our communities the reassurance they need as we Build Back Better from the pandemic."
