A new taskforce tackling floods and drought will be launched this week and will meet on Wednesday for the first time.
It will bring together Floods and Drought Minister Emma Hardy with the Environment Agency, Met Office, Mayoral authorities, the Fire and Rescue Services and the farming, water and insurance industries.
Ms Hardy said: “We’re facing extreme weather, with flood and drought intertwined, but the government is taking decisive action. We’re taking a smarter, more joined-up approach to manage the nation’s water and set up our new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce.
“This will put communities and businesses at the heart of our work and will make sure the UK is ready for whatever the weather brings next. We are also backing that ambition with historic investment, including £4.2 billion for existing and new flood defences that will protect even more people in the years ahead.”
The government has committed at least £10.5 billion between 2024 and 2036 to protect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure from flooding, whilst 71.3% of the UK is officially in drought after Yorkshire joined the list on Friday.
The group’s aim is to share expertise, from understanding risks and assessing preparedness to supporting a longer-term resilience strategy for floods and drought.
It is designed to complement the work of the National Drought Group, which will continue to play its vital role in coordinating and overseeing the operational response to drought.
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