A new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce is set to launch this week, aiming to bolster the nation's capacity to plan for and react to extreme weather. The Taskforce will convene for its inaugural meeting this Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
Floods and Drought Minister Emma Hardy will lead the new group, which includes representatives from more than 50 organisations. These include the Environment Agency, Met Office, Mayoral authorities, Fire and Rescue Services, and the farming, water, and insurance industries.
The initial meeting's agenda will focus on evaluating the nation's preparedness for potential flooding this winter, noting that the nation is better prepared compared to last year. Discussions will also cover emerging insights from the current drought and potential improvements to enhance resilience against both flooding and drought.
The government is delivering the largest flood defence programme in English history, with at least £10.5 billion allocated between 2024 and 2036. This investment aims to safeguard homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure from increasing flood threats.