25th June 2008
The government 'must act now' on flood report recommendations, says the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
Sir Michael Pitt today published his final report into last summer's floods, setting out a number of recommendations for the government.
Sir Michael stated that building regulations must be stricter in flood-prone areas, with 'more appropriate' materials and techniques used. He acknowledged that it was 'not realistic' to ban building altogether in areas of risk, but said that such developments should be the exception.
Addressing the apparent lack of responsibility for waterways and drainage systems during the floods, he called on local authorities to map out who is accountable for each area.
In addition, Sir Michael called for more accurate and easily understood flood warnings, with the Met Office and Environment Agency sharing information at a joint information centre. He also recommended that utility companies share information and better protect their key sites, after thousands were left without drinking water or electricity last year.
Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance and health, said that the report confirmed that the UK is unprepared for major flood. He called for the government to take immediate action on the recommendations.
"This report must not sit on the shelf," he said. "It must be a catalyst for an overhaul in managing and adapting to the increasing flood threat."
"The government must act now to develop a long-term flood strategy," he added. "This must focus on better co-ordination, a thorough re-assessment of the flood risk from rivers, drainage and the sea, adequate investment and better public information on flooding. All this is crucial to ensure that flood insurance remains widely available and competitively-priced."
Flood report 'must not sit on shelf'
Sir Michael Pitt today published his final report into last summer's floods, setting out a number of recommendations for the government.
Sir Michael stated that building regulations must be stricter in flood-prone areas, with 'more appropriate' materials and techniques used. He acknowledged that it was 'not realistic' to ban building altogether in areas of risk, but said that such developments should be the exception.
Addressing the apparent lack of responsibility for waterways and drainage systems during the floods, he called on local authorities to map out who is accountable for each area.
In addition, Sir Michael called for more accurate and easily understood flood warnings, with the Met Office and Environment Agency sharing information at a joint information centre. He also recommended that utility companies share information and better protect their key sites, after thousands were left without drinking water or electricity last year.
Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance and health, said that the report confirmed that the UK is unprepared for major flood. He called for the government to take immediate action on the recommendations.
"This report must not sit on the shelf," he said. "It must be a catalyst for an overhaul in managing and adapting to the increasing flood threat."
"The government must act now to develop a long-term flood strategy," he added. "This must focus on better co-ordination, a thorough re-assessment of the flood risk from rivers, drainage and the sea, adequate investment and better public information on flooding. All this is crucial to ensure that flood insurance remains widely available and competitively-priced."
Tags: Insurance, Regulations
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