Farron: New Homes Need Affordable Flood Insurance

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has written to the Prime Minister to urge changes to a new flood insurance scheme, which would otherwise leave those in new homes unprotected and therefore liable for unaffordable insurance premiums.

The Flood Re scheme, the result of an agreement between the government and the insurance industry, is designed to make flood insurance available and affordable to home-owners in flood-prone areas. It will take effect from April 2016 and cap insurance premiums for flood damage for those at risk of flooding.

However, homes built since 2009 will not be eligible for the Flood Re scheme. Tim is urging the Prime Minister to review the scheme so that those living in homes built since 2009 are also able to purchase affordable flood insurance.

The Association of British Insurers has stated that homes built after 2009 are exempted from the system "to avoid incentivising unwise building in known high flood risk areas". However, Tim has argued that "excluding homeowners from affordable flood insurance is an excessively blunt tool to achieve this end."

Tim met with Aviva last week to discuss insurance claims in South Lakeland. Aviva are dealing with flood insurance claims and making payments immediately, and will accept photos as evidence of damaged goods.

Tim would like to urge any residents who are facing difficulties with insurance claims to get in touch with him by calling 01539 723403 or emailing tim@timfarron.co.uk

Tim said: "The tragic events of the last week have shown how important it is for residents to be have access to flood insurance.

"I am therefore extremely concerned that the government's Flood Re scheme will not apply to homes built since 2009. Affordable insurance for those in properties at risk of flooding is vital for all residents, and this exemption is unjustifiable."