Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's guidance, New national flood and coastal erosion risk information, published on 25 March 2025, what steps he is taking to support home owners now classified as being in flood zone (a) 2 and (b) 3.

This Government will maintain the highest levels of flood protection while taking decisive action to fix our broken planning system and deliver 1.5 million homes through our Plan for Change.

The Flood Zones in the Flood Map for Planning are aimed at planners and developers making decisions about the location and design of new development. By publishing the new flood and coastal erosion risk information in March 2025 the Environment Agency have ensured these decisions are based on the best available evidence.

This Government is investing a record £2.65 billion over two years (2024/25 and 2025/26) for the construction of new flood schemes, and the maintenance and repair of existing ones.

The Flood Zones in the Flood Map for Planning are aimed at planners and developers making decisions about the location and design of new development. By publishing the new flood and coastal erosion risk information in March 2025 the Environment Agency have ensured these decisions are based on the best available evidence.

The Environment Agency also provides the Check for flooding service, giving information on flood alerts and warnings as well as a 5-day forecast. Its flood warning system directly alerts 1.6 million properties in England who are registered to receive flood warnings. In addition it provides advice on what can be done to reduce the impacts of a flood, including preparing personal flood plans, adapting a home or business and getting insurance.