The Association of British Insurers has published a statement from Stephen Haddrill, its director general, following a recent meeting with government ministers on the aftermath of this summer's floods.

The statement reads:

"Since the flooding in Hull, Sheffield, Doncaster and surrounding areas 100 days ago, insurers have been dealing with over 130,000 claims for homes, businesses and motor vehicles. The cost of claims from flooding in June and July is expected to exceed £3bn.

"Ministers appreciated the enormous contribution of Britain's insurance industry to dealing with the trauma and loss caused by these floods. Without these efforts, huge additional costs would fall on the taxpayer, way above the £53m currently committed.

"It will, of course, take time for properties to dry out properly and only then can necessary work be carried out. We understand that many people will be frustrated that they can't return to their home as soon as they would like. The insurance industry is doing everything possible to help. But we warned ministers that, in many cases, more haste could mean less speed and the process of recovery will be a long haul lasting well into 2008 for some.

"We pressed the Government to act quickly to reduce the level of flood risk, whether associated with river, coastal or surface flooding. We urged ministers to bring forward the planned increased spending on flood defences and flood management, currently promised for 2010-11. And we stressed that ministers should act quickly once the Pitt Review on lessons learnt has concluded its work."

•Date: 4th October 2007• Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: Emergency planning
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