Overhaul of flood management must now be given priority says the ABI

Thursday, 19 November 2009 12:00 AM

Today's publication of the Flood and Water Management Bill must signal the start of an overhaul in how the UK manages the rising flood risk, says the ABI.

Nick Starling, the ABI's Director of General Insurance and Health, said:

"One in six homes in England is at risk of flooding, and this Bill will be welcomed by anyone who has to live with the threat of being flooded. The Bill should form the basis of an overhaul of how we better manage and adequately fund the rising flood risk. As well as providing reassurance to those at flood risk, this will ensure that flood insurance remains widely available. Improvements in managing flood risk are urgently needed, and we urge the political parties to work together to ensure that the Bill becomes an Act as quickly as possible."

Notes for Editors

1. Enquiries to:
Jonathan French 020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07958 330 480)
Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)
Erfan Hussain 020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)
Kelly Ostler-Coyle 020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)

2. The ABI is the voice of the insurance and investment industry. Its members constitute over 90 per cent of the insurance market in the UK and 20 per cent across the EU. They control assets equivalent to a quarter of the UK's capital. They are the risk managers of the UK's economy and society. Through the ABI their voice is heard in Government and in public debate on insurance, savings and investment matters.

3.More news and information from the ABI is available at this www.abi.org.uk

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