# UK agricultural drought and water security response > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-agricultural-drought-and-water-security-response > Updated: 2026-08-26T08:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Following a summer of record-breaking temperatures and drought across England and Wales, the UK government announced a support package for farmers. This package includes £50 million for the Sustainable Farming Incentive and up to £15 million for the construction of on-farm reservoirs to improve long-term resilience. The government also introduced temporary adjustments to Environmental Land Management agreements to allow for fodder shortages and the creation of firebreaks. In response, farming leaders have urged the government to further streamline the reservoir building process to protect the food supply. While a £15 million Water Management Grant is expected this autumn, industry representatives are also pressuring the government regarding tax concerns. Specifically, agricultural organizations are calling for a review of recent changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief ahead of the October 28 Budget, arguing that tax uncertainty hinders long-term investment and succession planning. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: UK farmers urge action on water security and inheritance tax UK farmers are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to improve water security through reservoir grants and to reverse inheritance tax changes affecting agricultural property relief in the October Budget. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-farmers-urge-action-on-water-security-and-inheritance-tax ### 2026-08-18: UK Government announces drought support package for farmers Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a drought support package for UK farmers, including £50 million in additional farming incentives and funding for reservoirs amid record heat and wildfires. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-government-announces-drought-support-package-for-farmers --- Cite as: UK agricultural drought and water security response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-agricultural-drought-and-water-security-response