Somerset has been handed a £50m flood resilience boost by the Government.

The funding, announced today, Tuesday, 9 June 2026, will go to Somerset Council for a two-year programme aimed at reducing flood risk, improving preparedness and strengthening long-term resilience.

The announcement from Defra follows a visit by Floods Minister Emma Hardy to Somerset in February, during the major incident declared after Storm Chandra.

Somerset experienced its second wettest January on record earlier this year, with more than double the average rainfall, according to the Government.

Flooding continued into February, forcing Somerset Council to declare a major incident.

The Government said existing defences, deployed pumps and Environment Agency teams working around the clock helped protect 2,860 properties from flooding during the crisis.

Council leader Bill Revans welcomed the funding, calling it a "fantastic opportunity" for Somerset.

Cllr Revans said: "We'd like to thank the Minister for visiting Somerset during the major incident and meeting with the Council, our partners and residents.

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"We are pleased the Government has listened to our calls for urgent action and welcome this vital investment into the future of Somerset.

"This winter has shown how Somerset's unique environment is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and it is clear we must help our communities to adapt and become more resilient."

The money is expected to support engineering and infrastructure improvements in high-risk areas, natural flood management schemes, property-level flood protection and better work with local communities.

Somerset Council said it will also review and learn from recent flood events across the county.

It will work with partners including the Environment Agency, Somerset Rivers Authority, Internal Drainage Boards, Natural England and local communities before schemes are taken forward.

Cllr Revans added: "This is a fantastic opportunity and we know our communities will want to input into the programme to ensure we are taking full advantage of the funding.

"We're at a very early stage and we look forward to engaging with our residents and businesses as we develop a clear plan for delivery."

Floods Minister Emma Hardy is due to confirm the investment at the Flood and Coast Conference.

She said Somerset had faced the "full force of extreme weather" this year, which she saw during her visit.

The Government said the money will fund measures including improved water management infrastructure, enhanced flood defence schemes, nature-based solutions and better watercourse maintenance.

Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, also welcomed the announcement.

Ms Dyke said she had repeatedly pressed the Flooding Minister to visit Somerset and see the impact on communities, businesses and farmland.

She said: "This is a huge win for Somerset and proof that persistent pressure delivers results.

"For too long, our communities have faced the devastating consequences of flooding, with homes, businesses, roads and farmland repeatedly put at risk.

"I will continue fighting to ensure our communities get the investment and protection they deserve and I will be scrutinising the delivery of the funding to make sure it goes where it's most needed and can have the most impact."

The £50m Somerset package sits alongside the Government's wider £10.5bn flood resilience programme, which is due to run until 2036.

The Government said new and improved defences in Somerset over the last two years have helped better protect 4,916 properties.

The next step for Somerset Council will be to develop proposals and engagement before any schemes are delivered.

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Somerset is getting £50m for flood resilience after the sort of winter nobody wants to repeat. Sensible news, and about time the county got more than a mop and a sympathetic nod.