Flood Management scheme open to farmers

In September, the Environment Agency and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs announced a new £25 million flood management scheme as part of their Natural flood management programme. This (ring-fenced) funding is being provided by the government and Environment Agency and the scheme is now open for applications from farmers and landowners.

Those that apply for the scheme must use natural techniques to protect their land from flooding such as planting trees and creating wetlands to absorb the water and reduce the risk of flooding. Not only does using natural techniques reduce the risk of flooding but it also helps with tackling climate change and benefit biodiversity, habitats and water quality.

Dan Wood, Agriculture Partner at Hawsons, commented on the announcement of the new scheme: ‘The flood management scheme provides farmers and landowners with a great opportunity to use natural techniques to protect their land from flooding in the future which will protect the quality of their crops and the land on which their livestock live on’.

If you would like to find out more about how you can apply for this scheme please visit the Natural flood management programme on the government website.

If you are considering applying for the scheme, you will need to apply by 10 November 2023.

How can we help?

At Hawsons our dedicated team of specialist agriculture accountants understands that farming isn’t just a business; it’s a way of life.

The rural and agriculture sector is a specialist sector, with unique practices and conventions. We act for a significant number of arable farms and assist farming families in many matters specific to agriculture and farming. This includes tax, will planning and succession planning.

We have been able to assist our farming clients to add value to their businesses. We have advised on the financial and tax consequences of property development, green technologies and capital allowance planning. In particular, we can assist in the area of capital taxes planning. This is a significant issue for farmers following the increase in land values and the availability of development opportunities.