New government taskforce to improve Britain’s preparedness for flooding and drought

A new government taskforce has been set up to help Britain prepare for flooding and drought, bringing together more than 50 organisations involved in managing water and weather-related risks.

Announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on 11 October 2026, the Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce includes representatives from the Environment Agency, Met Office, local authorities, emergency services, water companies and insurers.

Its first meeting was scheduled for 14 October, with winter flood preparedness and lessons from the ongoing drought among the subjects for discussion.

The announcement follows a year of contrasting weather conditions. After a wet winter, England experienced a prolonged period of dry weather, including what Defra described as its driest July for almost two centuries.

Improving long-term flood protection

The Government has committed at least £10.5 billion between 2024 and 2036 to flood defence measures designed to protect homes, businesses and infrastructure.

Alongside improving coordination between organisations, the taskforce will seek input from communities that have experienced flooding or drought.

Their experiences will help inform future planning and identify where existing arrangements could be improved.

The taskforce will work alongside the National Drought Group, which continues to coordinate the response to water shortages.

Preparing homes for flooding

For households living in areas at risk of flooding, there are several practical steps worth considering.

The Government’s flood information service allows residents in England to check local flood conditions and access warnings.

Households can also prepare a flood plan, keep important documents somewhere safe and familiarise themselves with how to turn off utilities if it is safe to do so.

The new taskforce will focus on improving national and local preparedness, while existing emergency services and flood warning arrangements will remain in place.