Cumberland Council is delighted that the Environment Agency has confirmed £1.43 million in funding for flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCRM) projects for the 2025/26 financial year.
The funding allocation consists of £680,000 in Grant-in-Aid (GiA) and £750,000 from the Local Levy Allocation. This investment is part of the government's ongoing commitment to protecting communities and vital infrastructure, supporting Cumberland Council in delivering essential flood protection schemes across the region. These projects will help reduce the risks to properties, roads, railways, and agricultural land.
Since 2021, 297 flood protection schemes across the UK have safeguarded over 88,000 properties, with an additional 27,000 properties expected to benefit in 2024/25. These efforts have also provided significant environmental benefits, including protecting 160,000 hectares of agricultural land and enhancing more than 180 kilometres of rivers.
The funding for 2025/26 has been allocated through a prioritisation method based on partnership funding scores, ensuring the most impactful schemes are supported. The Northwest Regional Flood and Coastal Committee has reviewed and consented to the regional programme for the year ahead.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said
“This announcement marks an important step toward continued improvements in flood protection and climate resilience. Cumberland Council remains committed to delivering these vital projects and will continue working collaboratively to maximise local benefits. Our priority is ensuring that residents across Cumberland feel safe and protected from the risks of flooding.”
