Harnessing England’s Biodiversity Net Gain legislation to amplify urban flood risk management

The Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation came into effect in England from February 2024 and represents a significant shift in planning regulations. Now that the legislation exists – and a new government is in place – this policy report presents the case for integrating BNG and natural flood management to enhance urban resilience, including integration of BNG funding with local authorities’ natural flood risk management projects. This can best be achieved through appropriate policy measures, better leveraging of insurance underwriting solutions, and research and collaboration. The report sets out recommendations for national government, local authorities, the insurance sector and others, intended to help amplify the legislation’s impact.