Politics · United Kingdom · 20 hrs ago
UK launches taskforce to prepare for possible winter flooding
The UK government has launched a taskforce to prepare for extreme weather, including possible flooding this winter.
It will bring together government agencies, local authorities and businesses involved in farming, water and insurance.
The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday to assess how prepared the country is.
The Met Office expects a greater chance of wetter-than-average conditions this autumn, while the Environment Agency says repeated storms and prolonged rain are more likely than usual this winter.
About 6.3 million homes and businesses in England remain at risk of flooding.
The government has committed at least £10.5 billion through 2036 to protect homes, businesses and key infrastructure from flooding.
The Environment Agency advises households to check their flood risk, sign up for alerts and make a flood plan.
The UK government has launched a taskforce to prepare for extreme weather, including possible flooding this winter.
The group will assess the country’s preparedness for wetter, windier and stormier conditions.
Its first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday and will bring together government agencies, mayoral authorities and industry representatives.
The Environment Agency says about 6.3 million homes and businesses in England remain at risk of flooding.
The government has committed at least £10.5bn through 2036 to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure from flooding.
- Who
- The UK government launched the taskforce, which will bring together public agencies, mayoral authorities and industry representatives.
- What
- A taskforce will assess preparedness for extreme weather, including possible winter flooding.
- When
- It was launched before its first meeting, scheduled for Wednesday. The article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- The UK, with the Environment Agency warning about flood risk to homes and businesses in England.
- Why
- To assess and improve preparedness for the heightened potential for wet, windy and stormy weather in the coming months.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We're facing extreme weather, with flood and drought intertwined but the government is taking decisive action
This will put communities and businesses at the heart of our work and will make sure the UK is ready for whatever the weather brings next.
The UK experienced its hottest summer on record.
The government had launched the taskforce to prepare for extreme weather, including possible winter flooding.
Defra is due to host the taskforce’s first meeting.
- Flood risk
- Approximately 6.3 million homes and businesses in England
- Funding commitment
- At least £10.5bn through 2036
- Taskforce meeting
- First meeting scheduled for Wednesday
- Winter rainfall
- England received 42% more rainfall than its winter average last winter
- Last winter’s storms
- Bram, Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra
Sources
Related news
Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit referendum
Burnham to publish details of past dealings with Manchester City
Polanski vows to stay as Green leader after by-election loss and party row
Labour holds Starmer’s former London seat, defeating Green leader Zack Polanski
Kingston market to stay closed for nine days after fire safety inspection
Parents and MP call for stronger nursery safeguarding rules
Letter argues food aid should not replace incomes that let people buy food
Polanski calls for more leadership control of Green party strategy
Polanski says Greens remain a threat to Labour after by-election setback
Green MP calls for safeguards against extremist influence in party
Downing Street cat Larry recovers at home after minor surgery
