Russel Garnet, Head of Environmental, was featured in Building Magazine on 16 June discussing the UK government’s pledge of £7.9 billion for flood defences over the next decade. While this commitment is a positive development, the effectiveness of the investment will depend on how the funds are allocated and utilized.

We believe this investment must prioritise the maintenance of existing infrastructure, not just the construction of new barriers. Understanding the unique risks of each site is essential to building long-term resilience.

Russell Garnett, our Head of environmental consultancy, commented:

“The government has pledged a record £7.9 billion to improve flood defences over the next ten years, but it is critical that this goes towards maintaining existing defences, not just building new ones. Equally important is making the right changes. You can put up all the barriers you want but if you don’t fully understand each specific asset and changing flood risk, it’s just money down the drain.”

Read the full article here.