Flood funding breakthrough for Billington and Whalley

Flood funding breakthrough for Billington and Whalley

A major change in Environment Agency policy could finally unlock long-awaited flood defences for Billington and Whalley, following intervention by the Reform Administration at Lancashire County Council.

At a meeting of the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee on Friday 23 January 2026, Reform councillors challenged the way flood defence projects are prioritised. In response, the Environment Agency confirmed it will change its approach — opening the door to new funding for villages that have been overlooked for years.

New rules, new funding

From April 2026, all flood defence schemes will be assessed under a new Defra funding policy aimed at unlocking investment for high-risk communities.

The Environment Agency will issue further guidance ahead of April and reassess its entire flood programme against the new criteria.

Billington could now receive full funding

Under the revised policy, Billington’s flood defence scheme could qualify for 100% government funding, compared to the £2 million previously offered.

The project is now estimated to cost under £3 million, removing the £1 million funding gap that has stalled progress. Any costs above £3 million would require only a small local contribution.

Whalley funding gap significantly reduced

Whalley’s £25 million multi-tier flood defence scheme could now attract up to 90% funding, leaving a remaining gap of around £2.5 million.

This represents a major reduction on previous estimates and a significant breakthrough after years of frustration for local residents.

Villages left at risk for a decade

Reform County Councillor Ged Mirfin, Lancashire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, welcomed the change:

“This is fantastic news and removes a critical obstacle that has blocked flood defences in Billington and Whalley for far too long.

These villages have suffered 21 near-misses since the devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015. Residents saw homes destroyed and lives turned upside down — and then it happened again in 2020.

It is frankly shocking that it has taken ten years for these communities to be taken seriously.
We made it clear that Lancashire was paying in but getting nothing back. Once we challenged that, things started to move.”

Cllr Mirfin added that he will now push Ribble Valley Borough Council to help close the remaining funding gap using its reserves.

Reform delivering results

Reform Leader of Lancashire County Council, Cllr Stephen Atkinson, said the decision shows the impact of a tougher, more assertive approach:

“This proves that when you stand up for Lancashire, you get results.

Smaller villages like Billington and Whalley were ignored while larger towns secured flood schemes, despite Lancashire’s huge financial contribution.

We challenged that unfairness — and now the system is changing.”

What happens next

The Environment Agency will reassess all flood defence schemes ahead of April 2026, with both Billington and Whalley now firmly back in contention for long-overdue flood protection.