Rising Flood Defence Costs Force Councils to Cut Essential Services: The Impact on High-Risk Flood Areas

Areas prone to severe flooding may see reductions in essential local government services due to escalating costs of flood prevention measures. Local authorities, responsible for managing flood defenses, have indicated that increased expenditures might affect critical services, including adult social care and garbage collection.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 4:

Residents in flood-prone regions could see reductions in essential services as the expense of flood defenses surges, according to local authorities.

Calls are mounting for the government to revamp the financial support provided to agencies responsible for flood mitigation, following a report from the District Councils' Network indicating that costs have surged by an average of 28% in the last two years. The network includes 169 councils across England.

Rising costs in energy and fuel, essential for operating pumping stations, coupled with more frequent severe rainfall and higher labor wages, are the primary factors driving up the expense of flood protection for the fiscal year 2024/25.

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Internal drainage boards, governmental entities, play a crucial role in mitigating flooding and controlling water levels, safeguarding around one million homes, 50,000 agricultural sites, 56 power facilities, and extensive sections of highways and railroads throughout England.

Local authorities are responsible for gathering funds for internal drainage boards, which they do by incorporating the costs into the council tax. This results in regions that face high flood risks allocating a greater portion of public funds to manage flooding compared to areas that experience minimal or no flooding.

Councils are sounding the alarm that rising expenses for internal drainage boards may force them to divert money from services such as waste collection, adult social care, and libraries to cover the costs of flood defenses.

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The council regions experiencing the most significant hikes include:

East Lindsey, Lincolnshire – Boost in funding by £1.37 million (35%)

Boston, Lincolnshire – £710,000 hike (33%)

South Holland, Lincolnshire – £580,000 rise (20%)

Doncaster, South Yorkshire – £500,000 (35% stake)

Kings Lynn and West Norfolk – £420,000 (16% increase)

The Boston Borough Council is required to allocate 22% of its annual net budget of £12.76 million to the drainage levy, which amounts to 61% of the £4.33 million in council tax revenue it gathers.

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Due to regulations that prevent councils from raising council tax beyond yearly limits without a public vote, the possibility of boosting revenue through higher council taxes is largely impractical and would likely face strong public opposition.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed stated that safeguarding citizens against flood risks is among his top five priorities.

Tracey Garrett, the head of the Flood Response Forum, an organization assisting individuals affected by floods, stated that the UK is experiencing an increase in flooding annually, necessitating greater levels of support each year.

"She expressed to Sky News that increased support for flood relief would be appreciated."

"It's quite reassuring to learn that safeguarding citizens from floods is a central focus for the government, but the real test will be in the results."

Paul Redgate, who holds the position of chair for the Local Government Association's internal drainage board levies group and serves as the deputy leader of South Holland District Council, is involved in a coalition that obtained a promise from the former government to explore a sustainable approach to financing flood defenses.

"He expressed to Sky News his hope that the new government will remain committed to that."

Local officials are facing tough choices to ensure the safety of residents' homes, prioritizing the protection of essential services even if it means reallocating funds from other areas.

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Sam Chapman-Allen, leader of the District Councils' Network, stated: "Adequate funding for flood prevention is essential to sustain defenses across extensive areas of the nation and prevent disastrous floods that endanger lives and livelihoods.

"We call on government officials to collaborate with us to protect residents in flood-prone areas from facing unjust increases in their tax rates and cuts to essential services that we all rely on."

A spokesperson from DEFRA informed Sky News, "Ensuring the safety of communities nationwide against floods is a top concern for the government. That's why we are initiating a Flood Resilience Taskforce aimed at accelerating the implementation of flood barriers, drainage infrastructures, and natural flood management plans."

"The administration is committed to constructing more superior, well-planned, and eco-friendly housing, while fostering communities that enhance climate resilience and support the restoration of natural habitats."

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