19
Nov
Government bill to strengthen flood defences
Homeowners in areas prone to flooding could find themselves with
better protection following the publication of the government's
flood and water management bill.
Those who currently pay high premiums for buildings and contents
insurance to cover their property against flooding as it is in a
high risk area may see premiums fall if the promised work is
carried out.
Proposals put forward by the Department for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs (Defra) include grants for homeowners to construct
property-level flood protection as well as the implementation of a
further 102 flood defence schemes.
It is estimated that these projects will protect an additional
63,000 homes from flooding in England.
Another initiative outlined under the bill will see the
establishment of a flood forecasting centre, to be jointly managed
by the Environment Agency and the Met Office.
The aim is to improve predictions relating to potential flooding
and to provide emergency services with more comprehensive
information to help them reach the worst-affected areas
quickly.
Following a run of bad weather across the UK this week (commencing
November 16th) insurance company More Than issued advice to
homeowners at risk of flooding.
It included contacting the local council to find out whether
sandbags were available as well as making sure that all insurance
documents and sentimental items, such as photographs, were stored
safely upstairs and preferably in water-tight containers.
