Is Flood RE enough? – what more needs to be done?

Flood Re will have been in place for a year this April, guaranteeing affordable insurance for all households that are at risk of flooding. Last November’s half per cent rise in insurance premium tax was implemented to raise money to spend on flood defences.

But is enough being done to stop homes flooding?

The ABI has once again criticised planning chiefs for approving the building of thousands of houses on land which is at risk of flooding. The Environment Agency also objected to the building projects and had provided flood risk advice which was overruled or partially overruled.

There is particular concern that some of the proposed properties will be in ‘Flood Zone 3’ – the highest-risk areas – including some where there is a concern over risk to life or property, or that the development is close to a watercourse or flood defence.

With the likelihood of wet weather rising as a result of climate change, should the Environment Agency be given more power to prevent the building of properties that would be at risk of flooding? Is there any other way to prevent inappropriate development in areas of high risk of flooding? Let us know your views.