£50m flood resilience fund announced for Somerset

Credit: YouTube video: Better protection from flooding is on the way for Somerset

The award follows a visit to Somerset by Floods Minister Emma Hardy in the wake of Storm Chandra earlier this year, when she met with the Council, businesses and residents.

This award from the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs is a significant opportunity for Somerset farmers and businesses. The money will be used to develop a 2-year programme of work to reduce flood risk, improve preparedness and strengthen long-term resilience.

Next steps will be to engage with partners such as the Environment Agency, Somerset Rivers Authority, Internal Drainage Board and Natural England, as well as businesses and communities, to develop engineering and infrastructure improvements in high-risk areas, natural flood management schemes, support for property-level flood protection and improved collaboration with local communities. This will help ensure the money delivers long-term benefits.

The 2025/26 winter once again showed how Somerset’s infrastructure and unique environment are vulnerable to severe weather and the impacts of climate change, and highlighted the need to help businesses and communities adapt and become more resilient.

Council Leader Cllr Bill Revans welcomed the Government’s response to Somerset’s calls for urgent action and this vital investment in Somerset’s future, saying:

“We’re at a very early stage and look forward to engaging with businesses and residents as we develop a clear plan for delivery. This is a fantastic opportunity, and we know our communities will want to help shape the programme so we can make full use of the funding.”

Further information on how businesses, farmers and residents can engage with and contribute to the programme will be shared as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email david.woan@somerset.gov.uk or hattie.winter@somerset.gov.uk.