Support pledged for flood areas

Community and local government minister of floods recover, John Healey, has said it is his "top priority" to help people affected by recent events recover their lives as quicly as possible.

Some £46 million has been earmarked by the government for supporting flood-stricken communities, many of whom will be reliant on home insurance policies.

However, it has been widely speculated in the press that some households did not have home insurance.

The minister reminded local authorities that compensation was also available through the Bellwin scheme and said he was working with them to ensure money was quickly released to help those most in need.

He also said he had met with insurance representatives about their part in getting families and businesses back on their feet.

Mr Healey remarked: "I welcome yesterday's announcement to waive interest and surcharges on tax paid late due to the floods.

"I have had constructive discussions with representatives of the private insurance industry about the key role it is playing in the recovery," he added.

"The industry has drafted in extra resources so that the exceptionally large number of claims can be dealt with as quickly as possible."

He explained that some up front partial payments were being made available and that the industry had welcomed the extra money the government has said it will put into flood and coastal risk management.

Flood cover will continue to be available in identified high risk areas where defences are planned, he added.

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