ABI report criticises delivery of UK flood prevention measures Stephen Haddrill, the ABI’s director general, commented: “Much has changed for the better in the last five years, but more work is needed in the next five years as well. The government has now got the right policies, but they are not being fully delivered.” The ABI report, ‘Revisiting the partnership: five years on from Autumn 2000’, argues that the increased level of investment in flood defences needs to be sustained over the longer term. And while there is now better planning guidance, and more accountable funding arrangements, the ABI is concerned that: * It remains unclear how the increased investment is reducing risk locally, and which communities are benefiting from improved protection. For example, Barlby in North Yorkshire has still not got a completed flood defence scheme despite being at high flood risk, while parts of neighbouring Malton have inadequate defences. * One-in-four planning applications where the Environment Agency objects still go ahead. The Agency should become a statutory consultee for all applications in flood risk areas. * An integrated plan is needed to tackle urban flooding. Britain’s largely Victorian drainage system is struggling to cope with the increase in urban flash flooding and needs urgent renewal. Stephen Haddrill said: “The partnership between the insurance industry and government has ensured that flood insurance remains widely available for almost everyone. The industry’s Statement of Principles provides reassurance for millions of policyholders. For this to continue, the Government needs to get down to implementing further improvements to reduce the risk of flooding.” Read the report
•Date: 31st Oct 2005 • Region: UK • Type:
Article •Topic: Emergency planning |
