Britain Launches Flood and Drought Taskforce With Communities at Its Heart

The British government has launched a new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce, putting the voices of affected communities at the centre of the country’s fight against extreme weather. The taskforce meets for the first time this Wednesday, 14 October 2026, bringing Floods and Drought Minister Emma Hardy together with representatives from more than 50 organisations.

Communities take centre stage

The new taskforce will bring together the Environment Agency, the Met Office, Mayoral authorities, the Fire and Rescue Services, and representatives from the farming, water and insurance industries. According to the government, the voices of communities affected by floods and drought will be central to its work through direct engagement and the inclusion of more community-based groups, so that lived experience and local insight shape future policy.

The group will share expertise across the full chain of resilience: understanding risks, assessing preparedness, and supporting a longer-term strategy for floods and drought — work intended to protect both communities and the economy.

Why the Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce was launched

The launch follows a year of striking climate contrasts. After a wet winter, a long, hot summer brought the country its third drought in five years and the driest July in almost two centuries. A more intense and wetter winter is now anticipated, sharpening the need for readiness.

At its first meeting, the taskforce will assess the nation’s preparedness for potential winter flooding, which the government says is better than last year, and review how members have improved their response. It will also draw emerging lessons from the ongoing drought to strengthen resilience to both hazards.

Backed by record investment

The government says it is delivering the largest flood defence programme in English history, with at least £10.5 billion committed between 2024 and 2036 to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Of that, £4.2 billion is earmarked for existing and new flood defences, and £1.4 billion is being spent in 2026/27 alone on building and repairing defences — investment the government says returns around £8 in avoided damage for every £1 spent.

Action on the drought is already under way: water companies are being held to account to reduce leaks, farmers have received a £65 million funding boost to build resilience, and planning rules have been changed to make building on-site reservoirs easier.

Minister Hardy said the country was facing extreme weather with flood and drought intertwined, and that the new taskforce would put communities and businesses at the heart of a smarter, more joined-up approach to managing the nation’s water, so the UK is ready for whatever the weather brings next.

The taskforce will complement the National Drought Group, which continues to coordinate and oversee the operational response to drought, with strong links maintained between the two bodies.

FAKTA

• What: A new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce launched by the British government.
• First meeting: Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
• Who: Floods and Drought Minister Emma Hardy plus representatives from 50+ organisations, including the Environment Agency, the Met Office, Mayoral authorities, Fire and Rescue Services, and the farming, water and insurance sectors.
• Community role: Affected communities get a central voice through direct engagement and community-based groups.
• Context: Third drought in five years; driest July in almost two centuries; a wetter winter anticipated.
• Investment: At least £10.5 billion committed to flood defences (2024–2036); £4.2 billion for existing and new defences; £1.4 billion in 2026/27; £65 million farmer resilience boost.

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