LOCAL MP Anna Sabine has welcomed the Government's announcement of extra funding for the county to invest in flood resilience and prevention schemes.

The £50 million of funding given to Somerset Council follows years of campaigning by local MPs and community leaders to secure greater investment in protecting homes, businesses, farmland, and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of flooding.

Flooding is not new in Somerset, but the conditions in the first part of 2026 proved to be a tipping point.

The county experienced its second wettest January on record, with more than double the average rainfall, with Storm Chandra causing widespread disruption forcing Somerset Council to declare a ‘major incident’, as it co-ordinated the flood response alongside key partners.

While the council tackled the immediate situation, Somerset MPs in Westminster were raising urgent questions and pressing Ministers to turn their attention toward the county.

Liberal Democrat rural affairs spokesperson Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, pressed for Floods Minister Emma Hardy to visit the county and see first-hand the impact flooding was having on local communities, businesses, and farmers.

Frome’s Anna Sabine said: “I am really pleased to see Somerset receiving this important and much-needed funding.

"Storms have affected homes, businesses, and farmland across Somerset for years, and dedicated funding to improve our flood defences will make a huge difference to those affected.

“This is a vital step toward protecting our communities and giving residents and local businesses greater confidence for the future.”

The funding will be used for a range of flood resilience measures, such as improved water management infrastructure, enhanced flood defence schemes, nature-based solutions, and better watercourse maintenance to reduce the burden on emergency responders and help communities withstand future incidents.

The unitary council will work with partners, such as the Environment Agency, Somerset Rivers Board, and town and parish councils across the county.