tHE ABI SUPPORTS CALL BY The ENVIRONMENT Agency for better flood risk management

          Public pessimistic for the future unless action taken now

Commenting on the Environment Agency’s review of the summer floods published today, Nick Starling, Director of General Insurance and Health at the ABI, (Association of British Insurers) said:

“The consensus for a new approach to managing Britain’s flood risk is growing.   The Government must give The Environment Agency a clear strategic role replacing the current complex system of flood management. We need a long-term strategy, with a comprehensive assessment of the real flood risks from rivers, drainage and coasts, and a long-term investment programme to match.

“The public also want action. Two-thirds of people affected by flooding this summer believe they will face floods on a similar scale again according to ABI commissioned research. And two-thirds believe that the priority for action must be overhaul of drainage, followed by better flood defences.”

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Notes for Editors

1.            Enquiries to:       

         Alan Leaman    020 7216 7440 (Mobile: 07957 482 330)

         Malcolm Tarling    020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)

         Jonathan French   020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07958 330 480)

         Erfan Hussain       020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)

         Kelly Ostler        020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)      

2.            The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its nearly 400 member companies provide over 94% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold up to a sixth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.

3.            An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.        

Notes