BIBA submits key points to Flooding Review

by Gill Montia

Story link: BIBA submits key points to Flooding Review

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has published its submission to the Flooding: Lessons Learned Review, which has been commissioned by the Government.

In the document, BIBA makes the point that the balance of risk is changing, with shifting patterns of climate change.

It assumes an increased likelihood of flooding in the UK and recommends that eight key areas should be addressed.

These include a commitment from Government on new flood defences and improving existing drainage systems and a thorough and comprehensive flood risk assessment across the UK, aimed at improving flood map development and co-ordination and communication between industry and Government.

The report also recommends that the insurance industry continues to provide flood cover at affordable rates (although this remains linked to Government action in improving flood defences) and that property developers should consult with the insurance industry before building on flood plains.

BIBA members would also like to see an awareness campaign for homeowners and businesses in at-risk areas.

Turning to the role of local authorities, BIBA recommends that the Government should ensure that local authorities provide or include home insurance within their social housing contracts.

The submission also calls on the Government to appoint one single body to take responsibility for and reduce the risk of flooding in the UK.

Finally, BIBA wants communication to be improved so that prior to and post flooding, households, local authorities, the Environment Agency and the insurance industry can work effectively to minimise the extent of damage.

The insurance industry estimates that the flooding and storms seen in the summer of 2007 have resulted in costs of around £3 billion, although the true cost of damage is far higher, when taking into account uninsured losses.