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11/07/2012
CCC Warns Of Dangers Of Cutting Flood Defence Budget
Four times as many homes and firms risk flooding in the next 20 years if the UK does not prepare for climate change, a government advisory panel has warned.
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) issued the warning while blames the government for cutting funds for flood defences, saying these will be needed more than ever if climate projections prove accurate.
In response the Environment Department said money for flood defences was "being spent more effectively than ever before".
A spokesman added: "The committee has acknowledged the work we have done to reduce flood risk for 182,000 homes over the last three years.
"We are spending more than £2.17bn over four years to protect people from flooding and our successful partnership funding model will draw in around an additional £72m.
"The money for flood defences is being spent more effectively than ever before and we now expect to exceed our target to better protect another 145,000 homes by 2015."
The CCC report comes as findings suggest CO2 emissions are making extreme weather events much more likely. The CCC says the UK government needs to take this threat more seriously.
Some 40,000 new properties have been built in areas of substantial flood risk.
And while the Environment Agency urged a £20m a year increase in flood defence spending to keep up with climate change, funds were in fact cut by 12%.
(H)
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) issued the warning while blames the government for cutting funds for flood defences, saying these will be needed more than ever if climate projections prove accurate.
In response the Environment Department said money for flood defences was "being spent more effectively than ever before".
A spokesman added: "The committee has acknowledged the work we have done to reduce flood risk for 182,000 homes over the last three years.
"We are spending more than £2.17bn over four years to protect people from flooding and our successful partnership funding model will draw in around an additional £72m.
"The money for flood defences is being spent more effectively than ever before and we now expect to exceed our target to better protect another 145,000 homes by 2015."
The CCC report comes as findings suggest CO2 emissions are making extreme weather events much more likely. The CCC says the UK government needs to take this threat more seriously.
Some 40,000 new properties have been built in areas of substantial flood risk.
And while the Environment Agency urged a £20m a year increase in flood defence spending to keep up with climate change, funds were in fact cut by 12%.
(H)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
