Herefordshire Council has approved a £2.055 million investment over the next two years to strengthen flood resilience across the county for homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the areas most affected by flooding.
Flooding has caused widespread disruption in recent years, with over 400 properties impacted and many roads closed in 2024 alone.
The funding will support a comprehensive Flood Response Programme, delivered over 2025/26 and 2026/27, designed to reduce both the likelihood and impact of future flood events.
Work has been underway over the summer to complete formal flood investigations and identify opportunities for schemes which will provide long-term protection in areas previously affected by flooding.
The funding will deliver a mix of engineered and nature-based schemes to improve flood resilience across the county. The programme will also help communities by providing signage and monitoring technology, improving our response to flooding. In addition, specialist software will be procured to help the council plan for and manage flood events more effectively.
The investment will also be used to unlock further national grants where partnership contributions are required to access central government support. By allocating council funds, Herefordshire can demonstrate local commitment and leverage significantly larger sums from national sources.
Cabinet Member for Local Engagement and Community Resilience, Councillor Dan Hurcomb, said:
“This investment is about protecting what matters most, our homes, our livelihoods, and our communities.
“By prioritising the areas hit hardest, we’re making sure this funding delivers real, lasting benefits for the people of Herefordshire.”
In addition to the work supported by this funding, the council is actively progressing several other flood initiatives. These include offering drainage grants to parish and town councils, providing community flood equipment to 38 parish and town councils, and supporting them in developing their own flood plans.