Storm greets Government’s flood package

10 October 2007

The money awarded for flood and coastal defences in the Comprehensive Spending Review has been criticised as not enough in the face of worsening weather.

Spending will rise on flood control and coastal erosion risk management, but only to £800m by 2010-11, an amount already announced by environment secretary, Hilary Benn in June.

This will see the total amount to be spent over the next three years to £2.15bn, £100M less than the Association of British Insurers (ABI) asked for before the summer floods wreaked havoc across parts of the north and central England.

Stephen Haddrill, director general of the ABI, said: ‘It does not begin to address the major issues, including drainage, which were highlighted this summer.

‘The Government will have to increase spending substantially, as needs are identified by the Pitt review team. ‘Millions of homeowners and businesses around the country have been let down by the Government’s failure to commit sufficient money to new and improved flood defences.’

Elsewhere, news that £10M would be earmarked for communities where coastal erosion could not be prevented received a cautious welcome, although more details were needed before anyone praised the move too highly. Peter Frew from North Norfolk District Council, where properties are under imminent threat of coastal erosion, said it was a major step forward, but he would not be drawn further until more details were known.

‘The sum of £10M would only replace 40 homes worth £250,000 each – if that’s what this is intended for. But we have to wait and see,’ said Frew. ‘Details and the amounts need to be looked at. Will this cover infrastructure or just private homes? Questions like this need to be answered before we can be totally happy.’

The Department for Environment Food Rural Affairs said details were still being decided on by ministers.

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Storm greets Government’s flood package

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