The NFU has responded to Defra’s call for evidence on how local factors can be taken into account in the government’s flood and coastal defence investment programme and how government can increase the uptake of Property Flood Resilience.

♦ You can read Defra's full call for evidence document at the Gov.uk website.

The NFU's submission addresses the questions posed in Defra's document from an agricultural, horticultural and rural community perspective.

What are the relevant issues for farming?

Part 1 of the Call for Evidence sought evidence on additional ways in which specific local circumstances can be taken account of in the government’s future flood and coastal defence investment programme.

Defra is exploring whether any specific changes should be made to reflect local circumstances – such as communities that have been frequently flooded in the past, communities that are more economically vulnerable, smaller communities, and communities in need of greater property-level measures to resist flood water.

It is also exploring how it can ensure timely and wider financial contributions to assist with the pace of developing a flood scheme and how the government tracks progress of the overall programme.