This assessment provides a picture of current and future flood and coastal erosion risk across England.
The Environment Agency’s National Assessment of Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk in England 2024, published on 17 December, presents a concerning picture of increasing flood risks across England. This new assessment method revealed a sharp rise in the number of properties at high risk of flooding, now totaling 1.1 million, which represents a significant increase. Particularly alarming is the threefold rise in properties at high risk of surface water flooding, with the West Midlands alone seeing 20,700 properties in high-risk areas and 37,100 in medium-risk areas.
Nationally, 5.6% of properties are at high risk, and 5.4% are at medium risk of flooding. These numbers are rising each year, exacerbated by more frequent extreme weather events and insufficient adaptation measures. In addition to residential properties, the report highlights that 38% of roads in England are also at risk of flooding, emphasising the widespread nature of the problem.
The report stresses the urgent need for effective adaptation plans to manage the inevitable consequences of flooding. With better flood-depth understanding and improved risk mapping through new technologies, it is possible to prepare for and mitigate some of the impacts. These findings should prompt policymakers to integrate this data into future planning, policy, and flood adaptation strategies, ensuring that communities are better prepared for the increasing threat of flooding.
Flood and coastal erosion risk is not static, but is constantly changing as we adapt to a changing climate. The new NCERM shows that 3,500 properties are in areas at risk of
coastal erosion in the period up to 2055. This increases to about 10,100 properties in the period up to 2105. About half of these properties are residential, with the other being non‐residential properties such as schools, hospitals, retail and leisure businesses.
The assessment provides the latest information on the:
- source and characteristics of flood and coastal erosion risk
- distribution of risk across England
- potential for these to change in the future
Based on the data, the report describes how the Environment Agencies assessment of flood and coastal erosion risk is changing.
This is due to:
- a combination of changes to physical factors such as climate change projections
- our greater understanding and assessment of risk
- improved modelling and new data
We encourage you to read the latest report, as this education is key in adapting to climate change.
