The government is investing £1.4 billion in flood defences this year, as part of the largest flood defence programme in English history. This investment aims to protect communities from heavy rainfall and coastal storms, with over 600 flood defence projects underway across England.
In addition to flood defences, £2.6 billion is being invested in rail improvements to climate-proof UK rail infrastructure, and £24 billion is committed to local road maintenance over the next four years. This includes £33 million invested in Durham and £41 million across the North West to stabilise embankments.
The Cabinet Office will also launch a new public awareness campaign later this autumn. This campaign will provide households with advice on simple steps to be more resilient in case of emergencies, including extreme weather. Security Minister Dan Jarvis stated that the government is ensuring the country is better protected this year, particularly as a strong El Nino could make wetter and stormier conditions more likely.