Scarborough is set to receive a boost in its flood defences following an announcement of fresh government funding.
The development is part of a wider government initiative, supported by a 'record' £2.65 billion two-year investment aimed at constructing new flood schemes and repairing existing ones across the country.
The Environment Agency has confirmed that Scarborough will receive a total of £863,000 in funding. This funding will support three specific flood prevention schemes in the area. These include urgent wall barriers at North Bay and beach defence management at South Bay. Additionally, the Sea Cut river (Scalby Beck) has received project funding to address river flooding.
Alison Hume, the Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby, expressed her satisfaction with the announcement, stating:
“I’m delighted the Labour Government has announced £863,000 of funding for Scarborough. North and South Bay as well as Scalby Beck have benefited from the new government investment.”
“The role of Government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record following 14 years of Conservative neglect. This additional funding will protect lives and livelihoods in the constituency.”
Floods Minister Emma Hardy MP also commented on the investments in Scarborough and Whitby, noting her personal understanding of the issue: “I know from firsthand experience the devastating impacts that flooding can cause”. She added, regarding the government’s plans:
“Through our Plan for Change, we are supporting three schemes in Scarborough and Whitby ensuring residents have the long-term protection they need, while boosting local growth and creating new jobs”.
The national £2.65 billion investment over two years is part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to deliver security and renewal for the country. The government anticipates that this investment will also boost economic growth in local communities by protecting businesses and creating new jobs, while supporting a stable economy in the face of increasing flood risk due to climate change.
According to government figures, the average annual investment in flood defences under the previous Conservative administration from 2021 to 2024 was £1.05 billion. The planned average under the current Labour government is £1.325 billion per year, representing a 26% increase in flood investment.
Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management for the Environment Agency, emphasized the importance of this work, saying:
“Protecting communities in England from the devastating impact of flooding is our priority and this is more important than ever as climate change brings more extreme weather to the nation”.
She added that the delivery of these schemes would be welcome news for those who have previously experienced flooding and may face further extreme weather. The Environment Agency is now focused on working with local councils and Regional Flood and Coastal Committees to ensure the timely delivery of these projects to protect as many properties as possible.
The government has also prioritised £140 million for 29 schemes across the country that are facing cost pressures to ensure their delivery without further delays. The broader two-year investment programme aims to better protect 52,000 homes and non-residential properties across England, including shops, businesses, schools, and hospitals.
The full list of flood and coastal erosion risk management schemes being invested in between April 2025 and March 2026 has been published by the Environment Agency.
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