ABI Further Warning About Flood Defence

by Stewart Douglas

Story link: ABI Further Warning About Flood Defence

The Association of British Insurers has again criticised the government for its lack of investment in flood defences, despite numerous warnings and recommendations to suggest the situation is still less than adeqaute.

The Association, which represents a large majority of UK insurance providers, today commented that the government has yet to do anything about the risk to flooding faced by many people throughout the UK, particularly in the high risk areas of England that saw extreme flooding over the early summer months.

The flooding of earlier this year has led to a significant bill for insurance companies up and down the country, yet according to the Association of British Insurers the government has fallen behind in its obligation to provide for more sustainable defences for future occasions.

The news came as a result of a government report released into spending on flood defences over the coming three years, which was not well received by the insurance industry having already coughed up for the most part in repaying the damage of the flooding this year.

According to industry insiders today’s report suggests a simple lack of understanding by the government as to the extent and urgency of adequate flood defence systems across the UK which could lead to further devastation across those towns and cities most at risk from rising water levels.

Furthermore the clear warning message from within the insurance industry to the government is prepare now for more widespread flooding before it’s too late, with the threat of global warming looking likely to continue to increase the frequency of severe weather patterns.

The industry itself is gearing up to conduct investigations into the widespread flooding and the current set up as regards flood defences, which should ultimately lead to a consultation paper on the strenghts and failings of the current provision.