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Homes in Leicester, Derby and Birmingham will be better protected from floods thanks to an unprecedented 6 year 拢2.3 billion flood defence programme, benefiting areas across the East and Central Midlands to the tune of 拢162 million, which was announced by the government today.

The Leicester Flood Risk Management Scheme is just one of 132 schemes across the Trent catchment getting the green light today. The scheme will cost 拢31 million and protect thousands of people and properties along the river banks.

Some other examples of schemes funded in the 6 year investment plan include:

• Perry Bar and Witton, Birmingham which will cost 拢24 million and protect 1,400 properties in the area, including 950 residential properties
• 拢29 million for a new Derby flood defence scheme in the Lower Derwent Valley

Danny Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury said:

The government鈥檚 first priority is protecting the safety of its citizens, so I have earmarked 拢162 million of flood defence funding across the East and Central Midlands to protect thousands of homes here.

Investing 拢2.3 billion to support 1,400 schemes across the country will protect 300,000 homes from the north-east to the south-west. As well as ensuring people鈥檚 safety and peace of mind it will also bring over 拢30 billion of economic benefit, making it great value for money as part of this government鈥檚 drive for a stronger economy and a fairer society.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said:

Flood protection is vital and that鈥檚 why we are announcing the first ever long-term funding strategy which will deliver an ambitious 拢162 million investment that will make a real difference to levels of flood risk for homeowners and businesses.

With over 130 flood defences in the programme across the Trent catchment, local authorities will be able to plan ahead, manage flood risk better and reassure communities.

Environment Agency Chairman Sir Philip Dilley said:

Our priority is to do as much as we can with every pound of funding from government and local partners, we now expect to provide better flood protection to an additional 300,000 properties in England by the end of the decade.

With one in six homes in England at risk of flooding, and recognising the risk of flooding can never be eliminated, we would also encourage people to take their own steps to prepare for flooding, for example by signing up to the Environment Agency鈥檚 free flood warning service.

This first ever long-term investment programme will protect almost 28,000 properties across the Trent catchment. Across England, it will reduce flood risk by five percent and save the economy 拢2.7 billion by 2021. The lifetime benefits of this investment will be even higher at over 拢30 billion. New schemes may also be added as the programme progresses.

Since the beginning of this parliament flood defence investment has improved protection to over 230,000 homes and over 580,000 acres of land. The new investment will protect at least another 300,000 homes in England by the end of the decade.

The investment programme was published alongside a new long term study from the Environment Agency, which shows that the planned investment will reduce overall flood and coastal erosion risk in England.

To see the national picture, visit the interactive Google map .