Hope for flood victims
16 I 07 I 09
WAG & insurance sector align to combat flood damage
The Welsh Assembly
Government has recently announced an agreement with the insurance
industry, to work together to reduce the impact of flooding on
those at risk in Wales.
Under the terms of the
new agreement, the Assembly will emphasise the need for an
appraisal to be made of the risks of flooding to any new
development. The Assembly has expressed a desire to prevent
inappropriate development in areas at high risk of flooding.
This will complement the need for existing flood defences to be
maintained and improved where appropriate.
In return the insurance
industry has pledged to provide affordable insurance cover to those
at risk of flooding. It will also focus on restoring homes
damaged by flooding with flood resilient materials, to reduce the
impact of any further flooding. This has a clear benefit for
insurer and insured alike.
Simon Ellis, the Partner
in charge of the Flooding Recoveries Department at leading firm
Hugh James Solicitors, welcomed the announcement. “Flooding
has a truly devastating affect on the lives of those it
affects. The immediate aftermath of a flood can last for many
months until homes and businesses are restored to their pre-flooded
state. There is also the longer term worry the flooding could
return. Anything that alleviates this risk in the longer term
is to be welcomed. There really is no excuse for continuing
to build in areas known to be at high risk of flooding and I
welcome the approach taken by the Assembly to this issue.”
However, Mr Ellis also
sounds a note of caution. “Planning for the long term is
vital, but it should not be done at the expense of those already at
risk from flooding. Many residents and businesses in flood
risk areas are unable to move to areas at low risk of
flooding. All reasonable efforts must still be made to offer
these individuals the maximum protection from flooding.”
For further information contact:
Simon Ellis
Partner
E simon.ellis@hughjames.com
T 029 2039 1118