Flood defences 93.5% in good condition by 2029
“Today, as Environment Agency teams across the country continue their work to ensure vital protections remain strong, the government has set a target for asset condition to rise further to 93.5% by March 2029.”
- Promised
Where it stands
The share of flood defences at or above their required condition was 93% at the end of March 2026, by the release's figure, after years of decline. The target is to raise it to 93.5% by March 2029. The Environment Agency reports asset condition each year; the card moves on its figure for the year to March 2029.
What has happened
- Oct 2026The government sets a target for 93.5% of flood defences to be at or above their required condition by March 2029, up from 93%, Promised
- Mar 202993.5% of flood defences in required condition due by March 2029, Deadline
About the cost
No separate figure: it is paid for from the £4.2bn flood defence programme for April 2026 to March 2029.
More detail
How cards are checked
Status follows the promise standard, the same for every party. A status changes only on evidence. Anyone named on a card can reply, and replies are published next to it. AI Journalist is our automated reviewer: it re-reads every card against its live sources (the quote word for word, dates, evidence, status, cost, neutral wording, legal risk). Two editors also check every card against its sources and approve it.
Related promises
- Cap leasehold permission fees and admin chargesMatthew Pennycook · LabourPromised
- 500,000 new trees outside woodlands by 2030Angela Eagle · LabourPromised
- Shorter wait before councils take over empty homesMatthew Pennycook · LabourPromised