Communities protected as government readies nation for winter weather

Tens of thousands of households to benefit from better protection this winter, with £1.4 billion invested in flood defences this year, as part of the largest flood defence programme in English history.

Millions of rail passengers and drivers will enjoy more reliable journeys this winter, with £2.6 billion invested in rail improvements and £24 billion committed to maintain and improve roads.

Households to receive advice on simple steps to be more resilient in case of emergencies, including extreme weather, in a new public awareness campaign being launched by the Cabinet Office.

Communities and businesses across the UK will benefit from more resilient infrastructure this winter as the Government takes action to protect the country in case of extreme weather.

Following severe winter weather last season, such as storms Goretti and Chandra, the government is committed to ensuring the country is better protected this year, particularly as a strong El Nino could make wetter and stormier conditions more likely during late autumn and early winter.

To protect communities from heavy rainfall and coastal storms, the Government is delivering more than 600 flood defence projects across England. Together, they form part of the largest flood defence programme in English history, with £1.4 billion being invested in flood defences in 2026/27.

To keep the country moving, the Government is investing more than £24 billion in local road maintenance over the next four years, as well as investing £2.6 billion via Network Rail to climate-proof UK rail infrastructure. 

This investment is beginning to be felt across the country, with £33 million having been invested in Durham, as well as £41 million across the North West, to stabilise embankments and protect against landslips.