IDB Storm Recovery and Asset Improvement Fund - Tranche 2B

A continuation of the £75 million fund to support the important work of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs). The overall aim of Tranche 2B of the fund is to improve and modernise IDB assets to support the resilience of our farmers and rural communities from flood risk and climate change impacts.

  • Opening date: (Midnight)
  • Closing date: (Midnight)

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Contents

Summary

  • Tranche 2B of the IDB Storm Recovery and Asset Improvement grant scheme is focused on the modernisation and improvement of IDB assets.

    Around £19m is being made for the modernisation and upgrade of IDB assets and waterways, making them more efficient/effective, sustainable, environmentally friendly and diversifying the outcomes they achieve for lowland landscapes and communities. 

    Tranche 2B grants will be issued from March 2025.

    Tranche 2B of IDB Storm Recovery and Asset Improvement grant scheme is available for 2025/26. Delivery of the grant funded work must be completed by 31st March 2026.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an IDB Storm Recovery and Asset Improvement Tranche 2B grant you must be an Internal Drainage Board in England and your project must: 

  • benefit farmers and rural communities in relation to reducing or managing flood risk. 

  • provide value for money, including ensuring cost of repairs do not exceed value of existing assets and future benefits provided. 

  • be consistent with existing flood and coastal plans, for example local flood risk management strategies, flood risk management plans and shoreline management plans. 

  • not duplicate ongoing or committed work/asset purchases from other funding sources (including the Environment Agency’s current flood risk investment programme or the Lowland Agricultural Peat Small Infrastructure Pilot grant scheme).

Objectives

The purpose of the fund is to support IDBs in their important work to:  

  • increase the resilience of agricultural land and rural communities to the effects of flooding,  

  • help rural areas recover from the recent flooding events, 

  • modernise IDB water level management infrastructure to increase their asset sustainability, longevity and resilience to climate change, 

  • reduce the need for significant uplifts in future drainage rates and special levies to cover these costs.

Dates

How to apply

You must be an Internal Drainage Board to be eligble to apply. To apply for the scheme please contact IDBfund@environment-agency.gov.uk for the scheme Prospectus and Expressions of Interest (application) form. Read the Prospectus to ensure you understand the scheme requirements before submitting an application.

Supporting information