A new government taskforce launches this week to strengthen the nation’s ability to plan for and respond to extreme weather. 

The Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce will hold its inaugural meeting on 14 October, bringing together more than 50 organisations, including the Environment Agency, Met Office, mayoral authorities, fire and rescue services, and representatives from the farming, water and insurance sectors.

Chaired by floods and drought minister Emma Hardy, the group will coordinate expertise across government, industry and emergency response organisations to assess risks, strengthen preparedness and support the development of a long-term resilience strategy.

The move follows a year of stark climate extremes, with a wet winter followed by a prolonged hot summer that led to the UK's third drought in five years and the driest July for almost 200 years. Forecasts now point to a wetter and more intense winter.

Community voices will play a central role in the taskforce's work, with affected residents and community groups helping to shape future policy through direct engagement.

The first meeting will focus on the nation's readiness for potential winter flooding, examining improvements made since last year and identifying lessons from the ongoing drought that could bolster resilience to both challenges.

The government said the taskforce forms part of a broader effort to take a more joined-up approach to water management and climate resilience. It comes alongside a commitment of at least £10.5bn for flood defences between 2024 and 2036, which ministers describe as the largest flood defence programme in England’s history.

Floods and drought minister, Emma Hardy, said: “We’re taking a smarter, more joined-up approach to manage the nation’s water and set up our new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce. This will put communities and businesses at the heart of our work and will make sure the UK is ready for whatever the weather brings next.”

In 2026/27, £1.4bn is being spent on building and repairing flood defences, with every £1 invested in flood defences preventing around £8 in economic damage, said the government.

The Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce will complement the work of the National Drought Group, which will continue to play its vital role in coordinating and overseeing the operational response to drought.