ABI: Public demand more action to reduce flooding – opinion research published by the ABI
One year on from 2007’s devastating floods three-quarters of people think that not enough is being done to tackle flooding, according to opinion research published today by the ABI (Association of British Insurers). Improving drainage is seen as the number one priority. There is also widespread support for the Government’s target of three million new homes by 2020 to be reduced if it would lead to more homes at risk of flooding.
These findings coincide with a major ABI floods conference today, (18 June) at which the ABI will warn that the half a million homes currently known to be at significant risk of flooding could become uninsurable, unless the Government ensures that they are adequately protected.
Key findings from the survey reveal that:
The flood risk is believed to be getting worse, and not enough is being done to tackle the problem
. Eight out of ten people in areas badly flooded last summer think the flood danger is increasing. Among the public generally, nearly two-thirds think it is getting worse.
. Three-quarters of people think not enough is being done to tackle the problem.
. Improving drainage is seen as the top priority (98% agree), followed by tougher planning controls for new homes, and greater investment in flood defences.
We need a different approach towards building new homes
. Nine out of ten people say new homes should only be built in flood risk areas where there are adequate flood defences.
. Three-quarters of people believe that the Government’s target of three million new homes by 2020 should be reduced if it would lead to more homes at risk of flooding.
. Nine out of ten would like to see a recognised standard or kite mark to show that new homes are built to flood-resilient standards.
Speaking at the ABI’s Floods – One Year On conference today, Nick Starling, the ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Health, said:
“Insurers will have paid out £3 billion following the floods last summer. But, like us, our customers share our concerns for the future. These findings reinforce our call for a long-term flood management strategy. In particular we must tackle the problem of surface water drainage. Planning for the future is essential if we are to minimise a repeat of last year’s terrible floods, and to ensure that flood insurance protection remains widely available.”
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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. Details of the survey findings are available on the ABI web site, www.abi.org.uk. The survey was carried out on behalf of the ABI by Populus. They conducted telephone interviews among a random sample of 1,000 adults in areas particularly badly affected by the summer 2007 floods in Yorkshire and Humberside and Gloucestershire/Worcestershire, and an additional random sample of 1,000 adults across the UK.
3. A copy of The Summer Floods 2007: One Year On and Beyond is also available on www.abi.org.uk. This sets out the scale of the flooding, the response of the insurance industry, and action now needed to ensure flood insurance remains widely available.
4. The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its nearly 400 member companies provide over 94% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold up to a sixth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.
5. An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.
Copies of all ABI news releases, together with other information from the Association, can be seen on our website http://www.abi.org.uk
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