A new £15 million fund has been launched to improve the
resilience of communities across Scotland most at risk from
flooding.
Funding will be provided to local groups, communities and local
authorities to help them improve their flood resilience and
preparedness.
The funding will support sustainable drainage, including natural
features like green spaces and planting, to reduce flood risk and
future proof existing flooding infrastructure. Coastal
communities will benefit, with support available for innovative
coastal resilience projects to replenish sand dunes and reduce
flood risk in towns like Montrose.
Additional support will be available for communities recovering
from the impact of recent flooding, while Public Health Scotland
will develop a new interactive tool combining flood risk data
with population and demographic data to help identify communities
and groups most at risk in the future.
A new Flood Advisory Service will support local authorities in
delivering major flood protection schemes more efficiently,
reducing delays and improving value for public money.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action said:
"Climate change means, globally, we are facing an increasing
flood risk, and Scotland is not immune to that. We are determined
to take action now to protect people, homes and livelihoods.
"This £15 million package delivers on our 100 days commitment to
invest in flood mitigation and prevention, with support targeted
where it is needed most. By working closely with communities,
local authorities and expert partners, we are investing in
practical measures that will strengthen resilience and adapt to
the challenges of the future.
"From community-led projects and nature-based solutions to better
data, improved infrastructure and more effective flood protection
schemes, this investment complements our wider Flood Resilience
Strategy to help build a safer, more resilient Scotland."
Background
This investment supports the Scottish Government's Flood
Resilience Strategy.
This three-year investment will support increased local
resilience. Following preparatory work this year, funding for
local projects will be available from next year.
Further detail on this programme of work will be outlined in the
forthcoming Flood Resilience Strategy Implementation Plan.
SEPA is the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scotland's
principal environmental regulator.
