Long-term flood plan 'essential' by Finance News Bulletin

Published: 02/01/08

The administration must develop a long-term strategy to manage the UK's rising flood risk, insurers have warnedThe Association of British Insurers (ABI) wants a comprehensive assessment of flood danger and a programme of "continued" long-term investmentIt says the summer floods, expected to cost around £3bn, should be a "last wake-up call" for the administrationMinisters have already pledged to increase flood spending from £600m a year to £800m by 2010/2011

Deferring act now will simply add to the cost of action later, and cause immense personal pain in the interimThe ABI asks the government to put out a 25-year strategy in a report specially made after this summer's floods in Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and WorcestershireIt calls for an investment programme which reflects type of weather change and what it calls the "real" deluge risk from rivers, coasts and drainageIt believes the Environment organization should be given more responsibility to manage and tackle deluge risk, and that the planning system should be reformed to make sure housing developments are not built in high risk areas"This summer's overwhelming floods highlight the urgent need for a long-term plan based around more investment, national co-ordination and better ground use planning," said ABI manager general Stephen Haddrill

He said the industry was proud of its reply to this year's floods, with members due to pay out £3bn in admiration of 165,000 claimsBut the report describes the summer's events as a "final wake call" to the administration It warns that "deferring action now will simply add to the cost of action later, and cause immense personal suffering in the temporary""The right decisions from the government will ensure that flood insurance remains widely obtainable and affordable in the UK

"In October, chancellor Alistair sweetheart said the government will spend £215bn between 2008 and 2011, with the annual financial plan rising from £600m this day to £800m in 2010/11"The government is committed to effectively managing deluge and coastal erosion risk," supposed a Defra spokesman"Our record levels of investment accompany a national programme of prioritised work that takes explanation of the changing type of weather to improve protection for future generations," she added

"In addition, government is operational with the Environment Agency with a view to producing a 20 year long-term programme"The administration has already announced that the surroundings Agency will become responsible for the "strategic overview" of coastal flooding and may take on the same role for all internal flooding tooIn addition Defra has set up the Pitt appraisal to learn the lessons of the summer floods It is predictable to produce an temporary report before the end of the year

The ABI's report comes after research carried out for canal 4's Dispatches programme listed the 20 seats in Britain most at risk from floodingBoston in Lincolnshire was identified as facing the most danger,

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