Agenda item

The Chairman introduced the report which reviews the current policy lines on flooding and the consultation on changes to the Flood Re Insurance scheme, ensuring that affordable flood insurance was available to all households in high risk flood areas.

Hilary Tanner, Senior Adviser informed the Board that the report provides an update of several reviews on flooding over the past few months and was subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

Hilary highlighted that key areas of focus in the report which required feedback which were; issues over planning permissions being granted for housing in flood risk areas, capital funding to be devolved to local areas, the Bellwin Scheme’s shortfall in funding for flood emergencies and current arrangements for managing the risk from surface water flooding.

Andrew Richmond, Adviser informed the Board that following the devastating flooding event in Doncaster in 2019, Government commissioned Amanda Blanc, CEO of Aviva, to undertake an Independent Review of Flood Insurance as many of those affected did not have insurance cover. The Government has proposed to take forward all 12 recommendations set out in the review.

Andrew also commented that DEFRA have recommended the following key points they wish to implement in collaboration with local authorities:

·       Landlord Notification: Landlords of properties in high flood risk areas should provide their tenants with details of the building’s insurance cover in place, including the support that would be provided by the insurer to the tenant in the event of a flood.

·       Landlord Buildings Insurance: Government should consider the broader case for legislating to require landlords to have buildings insurance that protects tenants in the event that the property is uninhabitable for an extended period.

·       Local Authority Tenant Awareness: Local Authorities should ensure that tenants in high flood risk areas are given guidance on i) the range of risks they face in the event of a flood and ii) ways in which they can protect themselves with adequate insurance cover.

·       Flood Re Low Income Affordability: Government should consider more direct ways to increase the take-up of contents cover for tenants in high flood risk areas. As well as promoting awareness, this should include reviewing the impact of the Flood Re premium for contents-only cover on the affordability of contents insurance for low-income households.

Following the discussion, Members made the following comments:

·       Members commented that local authorities were better at delivering flood schemes and arguing for government to devolve more power to local authorities was one strongly supported by the Board.

·       Members mentioned that inviting Environment Agency to a future Board meeting would be beneficial to understand what they do on a national level.

·       Members raised that the Bellwin Scheme was out of date and the government should be pressed for alternative ideas.

·       Members commented that flooding on a local level cannot be prevented due to climate changes, but the focus should be around land abandonment and how to support those who may need to move.

·       Members stated that they would like to see the LGA lobby government to ensure that revenue support to local authorities follows capital investment.

·       Members expressed that insurance needed to capture affordability and permitted/minor development under 250sqm as it continues to be allowed in the flood plain. 

Action:

·       Officers to consider comments made by Board Members on recommendations to the report.

Decision:

The Environment, Economy, Housing & Transport Board noted and approved the update.