Flood and coastal assets are under increasing strain. Ageing infrastructure, more frequent and intense weather events, and constrained operational budgets are combining to create a growing maintenance crisis across the sector. While capital investment continues to fund new schemes, the challenge is shifting: how do we sustain and manage what we already have in a changing climate?

This session will explore how climate pressures are accelerating maintenance needs, how organisations are currently responding, and what must change, particularly in how maintenance is funded, prioritised, and delivered, to ensure long-term resilience.

How are climate change and extreme weather impacting asset performance and maintenance demand?
What lessons can be drawn from regions already under strain, including Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and Worcestershire?
Do current approaches to asset management reflect whole-life performance and risk?
How do we better fund maintenance?
How do we shift from reactive to planned, resilient maintenance strategies?
What policy, funding, or governance changes are needed?

Programme