Flooding risk

The Environment Agency has launched a £30 million online map to tell homeowners in England and Wales what flooding risks they face.

Areas are given low, moderate or significant risk ratings according to location, predicted water levels, and type and condition of flood defences.

Party Response: Liberal Democrat

Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat environment spokesman, said: "The Environment Agency is right to release this information to the public, who need to know where the flood risks are.

"It is wrong to think that insurance companies will take advantage of the publication and put up premiums, as most companies will have factored the information in already.

"It is essential that the public is made aware of the scale of the problem. Around 10 per cent of homes are now on flood plains, and the first impact of climate change on Britain will be extra flooding.

"Although the government has increased the amount of money spent on flood defences, DEFRA has failed to reach a satisfactory agreement with the Treasury for adequate funding."

Stakeholder Response: Institute of Directors

Geraint Day, environment policy adviser at the Institute of Directors, said: "The Institute of Directors has previously pointed out that more needed to be done in terms of flood alleviation, by bodies such as the Environment Agency.

"In line with the principle that information dissemination about risks of flooding should be one part of a strategy to cope better with such costly catastrophes, bringing maps to the attention of businesses and the public is a good idea."

Stakeholder Response: Association of British Insurers

Mary Francis, director general of the Association of British Insurers, said: "The map is a valuable resource for everyone involved in flood management

"Property owners in areas at risk from flooding can take action to protect their homes and belongings, planning authorities can ensure development does not proceed in inappropriate locations of the floodplain, and insurers can continue to help and advise their customers on the basis of the best possible information."