Changing rainfall patterns, more frequent storms and rising sea levels could all lead to an increased risk of flooding.

The UK has seen widespread flooding in recent years, including Yorkshire in 2008 and Cumbria in 2009.

To help combat this increased risk in the south east of England, we are investing nearly £90 million in flood protection schemes between 2010 and 2015, which will see a 20 per cent increase in the capacity of new sewers.

This includes £30 million on sewer improvements in Eastney, to help protect Portsmouth from flood damage during storm conditions. The city was extensively damaged in 2000 in a storm.

Nearly £10 million is also being invested in updating sewer plans, computer models and drainage area plans to monitor how our network can cope with changing weather patterns in the future.