WIREDGOV

Cllr Peter Box, Environment spokesman at the Local Government Association, responds to the Chancellor's announcement of an extra £700 million for flood defences as part of the Budget.

"Government funding has been important in enabling local authorities and their communities to recover from the winter's flooding havoc and the additional £700 million by 2020/21 is another significant step in the right direction. However, councils will almost certainly need more financial help from the Government as the full cost of the winter's horrendous flooding damage emerges.

"Crucially, new flood defence funding must be devolved by the Government to local areas, with councils working with communities and businesses to ensure money is directed towards projects that best reflect local needs. Councils know their local areas and are best placed to help families get back on their feet."