News MP speaks to Commons about floods
Goole MP Ian Cawsey raised the question of insurance premiums for flood victims in the area in the House of Commons this week.
Mr Cawsey used the example of a local family who had their home flooded following a combination of the excessive rain on June 25 and the fact that a water main burst near their home. Their house is not on a flood plain nor has it a previous history of flooding but their insurer has told the couple that they can expect to pay a higher premium and to see their excess raised from £50 to a staggering £7,500.
He said: "Real cases bring home the facts in a very focused way. I have met with this family and they are devastated by the flooding in their home anyway, without the additional concern of future insurance premiums and excesses. I raised this matter with the Leader of the House as I know Ministers and Officials meet with the ABI (Association of British Insurers) and I want these issues to be discussed when they do.
"Whilst there are legitimate issues about homes on flood plains and the extent to which flood defences are constructed which the insurance industry has raised, this does not apply in every case and in discussions with local people who have been affected it was a combination of freak weather probably linked with inadequate maintenance of drainage systems.
"Indeed, in the case I mentioned it appeared to be added to by a burst water main which was a coincidental point but one that added to the problem."
Mr Cawsey added: "I really don't think that people in these kinds of situations should be left with premium hikes or enormous increases in their excess. The Leader of the House (the Rt Hon Harriet Harman, MP) has said she will raise the matter with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (the Rt Hon Hazel Blears, MP) and suggested that I should write setting out the details of this case, which I have done.
"I hope that the insurance industry will listen to these concerns and act in a responsible way following these extraordinary rainfalls."
Published on 26th July 2007 in News.
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