According to new research from think tank Green Alliance, public spending on flood risk is geared towards addressing the after effects of floods, rather than on preventing them, and the wretchedness and damage they cause.

A new approach urgently needed from government to stop costs spiralling and protect communities. The way things are currently being done, millions of pounds in agricultural subsidy are being spent in ways that may actually increase vulnerability to flooding.

The study has also revealed that:

  • Nearly four times as much money (£1.5 billion) is spent on land management that ignores or even increases flood risk, than on land management that helps to prevent flooding (£419 million); and
  • Twice as much money (£613 million) is spent on dealing with the after effects of a flood than on hard flood defences (£269 million).
  • Flooding in northern England in 2015 cost the economy £5 billion.
  • Associated damages could increase by as much as 150 per cent by the 2080s if things continue in the same vein
  • The number of people living in properties exposed to flooding could rise by as much as 98%.

According to the report, the lack of support for natural flood management methods (NFM), which have been proven to reduce flood risk when used alongside traditional flood defences is a major failing of the current system.

Patrick Begg, rural enterprises director at National Trust, said: “Post-Brexit we have an opportunity to create a system that rewards and incentivises farmers and land managers to implement natural solutions to slow the flow of flood waters.”

The report has three chief conclusions:

  • The UK farming support scheme that replaces the Common Agricultural Policy should reward land management that helps to prevent flooding.
  • A dedicated fund for natural flood management projects should be established. This would allow enough evidence to be gathered at larger, catchment scale to demonstrate where NFM is best applied as part of flood risk management programmes.
  • Regional Catchment Management Boards are needed across England, to consolidate decision making powers related to flood risk in a single local body.

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