A new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce is being launched to improve Britain’s preparation for extreme weather and give affected communities a stronger voice in future decisions.
The group will bring together Floods and Drought Minister Emma Hardy with representatives from more than 50 organisations, including the Environment Agency, Met Office, mayors’ authorities, fire and rescue services, farmers, water companies and insurers.
Its first meeting on 14 October 2026 will look at preparations for possible flooding this winter, lessons from the ongoing drought and how responses can be improved. Community-based groups will be involved so that lived experience helps shape longer-term policy.
Planning for wetter winters and drier summers
The taskforce will support closer coordination between flood and drought planning, while complementing the existing National Drought Group’s operational work.
The government says at least £10.5 billion has been committed between 2024 and 2036 for flood protection in England, including £4.2 billion for existing and new defences. A further £1.4 billion is being spent on building and repairing defences in 2026/27.
Other measures include £65 million to help farmers build drought resilience, action to reduce water leaks and rule changes intended to make on-site reservoirs easier to build. The government says every £1 invested in flood defences prevents around £8 in economic damage.
Why it matters for Britain
Better coordination could help protect homes, businesses, critical infrastructure and the wider economy from increasingly difficult weather conditions. Giving communities a direct role should also make resilience planning more closely reflect local experience.
