Local authorities across England have issued a stark warning that vulnerable communities face the threat of "catastrophic flooding and economic devastation" unless the Government provides urgent new funding for vital flood protection works.
The Rising Bill for Flood Defence Maintenance
Senior figures in local government have revealed that council taxpayers in many districts will now be forced to foot the bill for maintaining flood defences. This shift follows a decision by the Environment Agency to re-prioritise which areas receive its direct support, a move driven by years of funding cuts. The District Councils' Network (DCN) states that urgent investment is required to keep river courses clear of obstructions and reduce flood risk.
The financial pressure is immense. The DCN reports that annual levies paid to the 112 Internal Drainage Boards in England have surged by 32% to £52.4 million over the four years to 2025/26. These boards, which protect nearly a tenth of the country's landmass, are funded via councils through levies on council tax and on property owners, including farmers.
Cost-Shifting and Service Cuts
Paul Redgate, chairman of the Internal Drainage Boards Interest Group, condemned the "cost-shunting from central government to already squeezed local taxpayers." He warned that residents in flood-prone areas already contend with higher council tax and insurance premiums, and the latest cuts will hit them harder still.
"They'll increase the likelihood of maximum council tax rises and force councils to shift spending away from other essential local services," Redgate said. He urged the Government to step in with extra funding for communities facing a growing flood risk through no fault of their own, calling it a "matter of fairness and common sense."
DCN chairman Richard Wright echoed these concerns, stating that while the sums needed for river maintenance are minuscule for national government, rising costs are devastating for individual district councils, leaving them no option but to cut other services to cover the bill.
Risk of Repeat Devastation in Somerset
Analysis of the Environment Agency's funding re-prioritisation has identified specific areas at grave risk. Notably, Somerset could face a repeat of the devastating 2014 floods, which affected 10,400 hectares of land. Vulnerable spots include property near Somerton, areas on the River Cary near Glastonbury, on the River Brue, and near Langport on the River Yeo.
Innes Thomson, chief executive of the Association of Drainage Authorities, explained the technical danger: "Most of these rivers are manmade channels designed to convey flood water but if they become clogged over time because of a lack of maintenance their capacity can be significantly reduced, dramatically increasing flood risk." He highlighted a gradual reduction in maintenance by the Environment Agency over 15-20 years, leaving councils with a significant backlog.
Despite the Government providing £5 million this financial year to councils worst impacted by flooding, the DCN insists this does not cover the spiralling costs. A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson pointed to the government's record £10.5 billion flooding investment commitment by 2036, aimed at protecting nearly 900,000 homes and businesses. They added that over £100 million had been reprioritised for urgent maintenance works.
However, local leaders remain unconvinced, fearing that without immediate and fair funding, the nation will face enormous costs from property damage, devastated local economies, and ruined agriculture.
