Flooding - Letter to Members of Parliament from Minister of State
From the Minister of State for Climate Change & Environment
Ian Pearson MP
28 June 2007
Dear Colleagues
Severe Weather and Flooding
I am writing to update you on the serious flooding situation that has affected large parts of England, the outlook for the weekend and to give you some helpful information if you have constituents who have been flooded.
On Tuesday I visited some of the affected areas in South Yorkshire. The scale and severity of damage to properties and communities in the areas I visited - and across large parts of the country - is devastating. However, the Gold and Silver Command emergency response is working well.
The general situation is slowly improving, but there are 14 severe flood warnings still in force. There remain areas of concern, and repeat flooding of areas cannot be discounted. As you may know additional heavy rain is forecast over much of the country at the weekend. I have been assured that all the relevant agencies remain vigilant and on alert and are ready to act as necessary should weather conditions worsen.
Around 93% of all homeowners have Home Buildings insurance in place which it is my understanding will cover walls and fittings such as kitchens. Over 75% of all households have Home Contents insurance. The Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) agreed a Statement of Principles which ensures that flood cover is provided to virtually all households.
A range of organisations have been working closely together at a local level to manage the situation and are well placed to offer advice to any of your constituents who may be affected.
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency Floodline provides the latest information on current and potential future flood issues – the number is 0845 988 1188. Comprehensive advice on preparing for flooding is available on the EA website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
Local authorities
Local authorities are responsible for the short and longer term recovery effort and clean up. The relevant Government Offices and other agencies will be working closely with them to support them in their efforts. Further details are available at http://www.lga.gov.uk and from individual local authorities.
Insurers
I have talked to the ABI and they have assured me that the insurance industry are responding to the flood events through the following measures:
- additional staff are on duty at call centres to handle claims calls;
- cstomers are being given advice on what action to take, including making arrangements for alternative accommodation;
- loss adjusting staff are on the ground in the main affected areas and are dealing with claims at those properties where flood waters have receded and it is both safe and practical to start the clean up process;
- damage management contractors are mobilised;
- directly contracted building trades are starting work where this is practical.
The ABI are also providing advice and information to customers and local authorities who have been or may be affected. This is available on the ABI website at www.abi.org.uk/floodinfo.
Uninsured
Some households may not have taken out household or contents insurance. Help is available for people in need affected by the flooding, through the Social Fund.
Social Fund Crisis Loans are available to help with immediate living expenses or essential items and Jobcentre Plus has taken steps to ensure these services are accessible - including by being present at the Evacuation Centres. Community Care Grants are also available to some people in receipt of benefits.
The provision of additional help to the uninsured would undermine the incentive for households to take out insurance, but will be considered on an ongoing basis.
Businesses
I recognise that a number of businesses have also been affected, particularly in the South Yorkshire region. In that region the Regional Development Agency – Yorkshire Forward - is currently liaising with the Government Office and local authorities to institute business support. Once the immediate issues of public safety are addressed, Yorkshire Forward will set up a small scale small business recovery scheme with Business Link South Yorkshire. This will provide up to £2,500 per company for immediate recovery needs. Yorkshire Forward will also be contacting larger companies on an individual basis to discuss their specific needs and how the RDA can best support them.
If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this letter further please feel free to contact me.
Yours ever
[signed]
Ian Pearson
Page last
modified: 29 June 2007
Page published: 29 June 2007