Around eight in 10 homes at high risk of flooding in England are now located in towns and cities, according to new analysis by the National Housing Federation, with social housing tenants facing the greatest financial vulnerability.
Urban Flooding Risk Rising Sharply
The study found that approximately 839,000 urban homes are at high risk of surface-water flooding. This figure has tripled since 2018, reflecting the increasing impact of climate change and pressure on infrastructure. Constituencies including Thurrock, Basildon, Bootle, Sefton and Southport have some of the highest proportions of at-risk homes. Areas of London such as Hackney, Barking and Tottenham also rank among the most affected.
Alistair Smyth of the National Housing Federation was quoted as saying that surface-water flooding is a “fast-growing threat” in urban areas, warning that climate change is outpacing infrastructure and leaving vulnerable residents exposed.
Climate Pressure and Infrastructure Strain
The Environment Agency defines high flood risk as a 1-in-30 chance of flooding each year. Increased rainfall, ageing drainage systems and rapid urbanisation are all contributing to the rising threat. Surface-water flooding, which occurs when rainfall overwhelms drainage systems or fails to soak into the ground, is expected to worsen significantly, with projections suggesting the number of at-risk properties could triple over the next 50 years.
Social Housing Tenants Most Affected
The analysis highlights that social housing residents are disproportionately impacted. In the worst-affected urban constituencies, around one in four households are in social housing. Lower-income households are also less likely to have contents insurance, leaving them more exposed to financial losses. Around one in three of the poorest households have insurance, compared with nine in 10 homeowners.
Tracey Garrett of the National Flood Forum was quoted as saying that a “step change” is needed in how urban water management is handled, warning that many households are being repeatedly flooded with contaminated water.
Human Impact of Repeated Flooding
Residents have described the devastating personal impact of flooding. Ann Hoyles, a social housing tenant in Warrington, said her home was destroyed by floodwater, forcing her to evacuate and leaving her without stability. She was quoted as saying she “lost everything” after contaminated water ruined her belongings, adding that limited insurance coverage made recovery more difficult.
Housing providers are also facing rising costs. Paul Warburton of Torus Housing was quoted as saying that flooding is becoming a major financial strain, with hundreds of thousands of pounds spent on repairs and temporary accommodation for displaced residents.
Growing National Concern
The findings underline growing concerns that urban flooding is no longer a marginal issue but a widespread national risk. Experts warn that without coordinated action, the combination of climate change and infrastructure limitations could leave more communities vulnerable in the years ahead.
