ABI REPORT SAYS GOVERNMENT MUST MAKE FLOOD PROTECTION AN URGENT NATIONAL PRIORITY

11.27.33pm GMT Tue 4th Dec 2007

West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt has endorsed today's call by the Association of British Insurers for Government to make flooding an urgent national priority.

Mr Burt, who helped win his Party's support for an immediate increase in funding for flood protection to £1billion, has underlined the findings of the ABI report published today and said the Government response to protect Worcestershire from future flooding events was inadequate.

Richard Burt said:

"Liberal Democrats agree with the ABI on the urgent need for additional funding, and for the Environment Agency to take overall responsibility for planning and delivering a national flood defence strategy. Too many organisations have got a finger in the pie and too little gets done.

"The Association of British Insurers stressed that unless government fulfils its side of the bargain to help protect people from flooding, insurers may take the decision not to insure those most at risk. This would be very bad news for homes, farms and businesses in Worcestershire.

"Government promises of an extra £200m in 2010 will only cover the cost of inflation on the existing budget. Neither have Ministers taken account of the estimated £27million to repair and replace existing flood defences that were damaged during the floods this summer.

"Is it any wonder that the Environment Agency refuses to consider permanent flood defences for areas like the Teme Valley?

"Government must honour its side of the bargain to keep people safer from future flood events. The consequences of not doing this will mean more people are placed at risk and fewer will be insured."