ABI urges government to avoid flood risk areas with new homes plan

The ABI has urged the government to steer clear of flood risk areas in its plan to build more homes.

The government unveiled a plan to increase the housing supply as part of its housing bill in today’s Queen’s Speech, which marks the opening of the new parliament.

The speech outlined first legislative agenda of the new Conservative government following the general election on 7 May.

ABI director general Huw Evans (pictured) said: “It is important steps are taken to provide more affordable homes, which are badly needed by many people.

“However this needs to be achieved in a sustainable way, within a planning system which is robust about refusing inappropriate development in areas of flood risk and which pays proper attention to advice from the Environment Agency.”

He added: “Losing your home to flooding is devastating, and repairs costs on average more than £16,500. The threat from flooding remains the UK’s biggest natural risk and consideration of the future impact of climate change must be part of the decision-making process about new housing.”

Evans also said that the insurance industry was looking forward to a constructive relationship with the new parliament”.

He added: “It is vital we see promised investment in flood prevention delivered and built upon, while the planning system is strengthened to take proper account of flood risk.

“It’s also necessary to continue modernising the civil justice system to work more effectively for claimants so less money is swallowed up by the legal process.”