Local Government Finance: Flood Control
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of removing the formula for flood defence and coastal protection in the Local Government Finance Settlement on local authorities.
Answered by Alison McGovern
As set out in the government’s response to the Fair Funding Review 2.0, the Foundation Formula is used to assess relative demand for flood defence and coastal protection, as the government does not consider having a bespoke formula to be proportionate. While expenditure on this service can pose significant revenue costs for a small number of local authorities, nationally this area accounts for less than 1% of total sector expenditure.
We have provided support to local authorities acutely affected by flooding through other measures. In 2026-27, the government will continue to provide targeted support for the local authorities which have experienced the most significant increases in Internal Drainage Board special levies.
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