ABI urges improved flooding measures

Posted : 02-02-2005

Leading British insurers are asking the government to play its part in ensuring that properties are protected against the risk of flooding.

The government has planned to build 200,000 new properties in the south east, yet with a third of proposed developments being situated on flood plains, insurers are urging the government to increase flood prevention measures, This Is Money reports.

"We welcome steps that have already been taken, but these need to go further," said Nick Starling, director of general insurance at the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

"Working together, government, local authorities, developers and insurers can ensure that truly sustainable communities are achieved.

"Managing the flood risk properly will enable insurers to continue to offer competitively priced flood insurance."

Homeowners are expected to be at an increased risk from flooding as a result of climate change. The ABI is calling for these measures so that competitively priced flood insurance can continue.

Approximately 1.7 million homes in the UK are at risk from river or coastal flooding, with many more vulnerable to flash flooding.

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