Nick Starling says the ABI will build on its achievements through consensus in 2007
Support for your cause is key to winning any debate. Government in particular is much more likely to take what you say seriously if it is not just you saying it. This is why building consensus has underpinned much of the ABI's work and achievements in 2006, and why it will continue to be important as we face the challenges and opportunities of 2007.
Our proposals for the reform of UK personal injury compensation for example have build up wide-ranging support, including consumer groups, the CBI, local authorities and some within the legal profession. Citizens Advice - not a natural supporter of our industry - called our proposals "a refreshing, welcome initiative", agreeing with us that the current system is too slow, complex and costly.
This view was reinforced by ABI-commissioned independent research which showed that for personal injury claims under £25,000 claimants without legal representation receive on average more compensation more quickly than those legally represented.
Responding to the growing consensus for change, the government will be consulting on reform early in 2007.
Our proposals to reduce the high numbers of young drivers killed or seriously injured were backed by Brake, the road safety charity, The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, the RAC Foundation, Make Roads Safe campaign and RoadSafe. Pressure exerted by this coalition led the Transport Select Committee to announce an investigation into how the safety of young drivers can be improved.
At the other end of the motoring spectrum, we won support from Help the Aged and Age Concern for our work into how we can keep the UK's growing number of elderly motorists driving safely longer.
Our member companies are working together. The setting up of the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) in July is evidence of the industry's determination to reduce organised insurance fraud. The IFB is working closely with insurers and other agencies, including the police, to identify potential organised frauds. Already working with the police, it has enjoyed success.
If any was needed, further evidence on the need for greater investment in flood defences was provided by the ABI's report on the threat posed to the east coast of England from rising sea levels. This research drew support from local MPs, councillors and residents, who added to our calls for the government to recommit to previous promises of a sustained investment in the UK's flood defences. This was particularly timely given the £15 million reduction in Defra's annual flood budget announced earlier in the year.
Our concern over new developments on the floodplain has prompted 100 MPs, who between them represent nearly seven million constituents, to back an early day motion calling for the government to strengthen the planning approval process to avoid flood-risk homes being built on the floodplain.
It is not only about building support for what you want. When the recent tornado struck north-west London, the ABI, together with several members and loss adjusters, attended the local MP's surgery to give face-to face help to residents. This prompt on-the-ground reaction can do wonders for the industry's reputation.
The first quarter of 2007 will bring plenty of challenges. The Office of Fair Trading's decision on whether to refer payment protection insurance to the Competition Commission, the outcome of the Treasury Select Committee's investigation into travel insurance, and the government's consultation on personal injury compensation reform will all impact on the industry. On these, and other issues throughout the year, we will strive to gain support from stakeholders so we can achieve our goals. IT
'Nick Starling is director of insurance at the Association of British Insurers.
