ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿

The increasing damage and disruption caused by this increase in flooding has had implications for the affordability of insurance. In an attempt to solve a burgeoning affordability crisis, the UK Government and insurance industry established the Flood Re reinsurance scheme which came into force in 2016.

This policy paper sets out ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿â€™s position on the achievements of Flood Re so far, and the longer term issues that various actors need to grapple with in order to ensure its success.

Key findings:

• More needs to be done to ensure that flood defences are strengthened while the Flood Re scheme is in place. Flood Re is a temporary measure rather than a long term solution. If high risk of flood persists, insurance will continue to be unaffordable for those living in high risk areas.
• Increased spending on flood defences is only part of what is required to ensure homes and businesses are sufficiently equipped to cope with future flooding. More joined-up thinking between government, environmental organisations, planners, homeowners and the insurance industry is necessary to help manage the risks associated with flooding.
• The Government should create a workable, proactive, long-term strategy for dealing with flood risk. This means dealing with the root causes of flooding. A strategy needs to be implemented that recognises the changing nature of flooding and the impact of more frequent and extreme weather.