Devon County Council Leader, Councillor Julian Brazil, has issued an urgent request to Government for financial support to help communities hit by Storms Ingrid and Chandra.
The call follows significant disruption and damage causing major road closures, and flooding to properties.
Storm Ingrid severely damaged the sea wall between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren. It also caused extensive damage to homes in Torcross, and undermined parts of the A379 Slapton coast road.
Councillor Brazil said the escalating severity and frequency of storms highlight the urgent need for substantial national investment to protect residents, businesses and transport links.
“We are experiencing more frequent and more severe storms. This is having a significant impact on people’s lives,” said Councillor Brazil.
“Our communities rely on resilient transport infrastructure to stay safe and to access work, education and essential services.
“Yet once again this week, the consequences of decades of under‑investment by central government in Devon is being felt across our county.”
He praised the efforts of County Council officers and emergency crews, who have been working relentlessly to keep roads open and support affected residents.
However, he warned that local authorities can no longer continue to manage the scale of damage caused by increasingly extreme weather without meaningful Government intervention.
“Our teams have done an extraordinary job,” he said. “But there is only so much we can do when Government funding continues to decline in real terms.
“The aftermath of this weekend’s storm and now Storm Chandra makes it clear that we urgently need national support to repair the damage, strengthen our defences and build long‑term resilience.”
Cllr Brazil confirmed he will be contacting Ministers and inviting Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds to visit to see first-hand the most affected communities.