Lib Dems Call for More Government Spending on Flood Defences

Shepway residents could be hit by a threat by British insurers to remove flooding cover from many policies unless the Government steps up spending on flood defences. With many areas of Shepway protected by existing defences, especially Romney Marsh, the impact on local residents and businesses could be devastating.

Commenting on the Association of British Insurers' announcement today that insurers may stop providing cover for flood victims, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defra Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

"Gordon Brown has already devastated the best private pension system in Europe, and he now seems set on destroying private insurance against the risk of flooding as well.

"Any short-term savings on flood defences will be swamped by enormous public liabilities in the future if the Treasury fails to fund flood defences properly.

"The Government should increase flood defence spending to £1bn in order to give households and insurers the reassurance they need."