Flood Reinsurance (Scheme and Scheme Administrator Designation) Regulations 2015

Debate between Baroness Jones of Whitchurch and Lord Moynihan

Tuesday 27th October 2015 Grand Committee

[Baroness Jones of Whitchurch]

I am very pleased to hear that, but I noted that some of the evidence I looked through, which was received during the consultation period, raised that as a concern. If we can clarify that there is a standard flood map system I am more than happy to hear that. I am sure it will be of some relief. I am sure that the Minister will also clarify that.

I was talking about who was included and excluded and the designation of domestic properties. The Minister will know that there was some concern, during the course of the Water Bill, about those who were excluded from this provision, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable—those in tenanted and rented properties, which are currently excluded from the scheme. It does not seem right that the same property or adjoining properties could have access to different standards of flood insurance purely on the basis of the status of those who live in the property. Will the Minister clarify whether that is his understanding? Will he also clarify whether farmhouses are to be excluded from the scheme? As he will know, this is of some concern to the National Farmers’ Union. They are, after all, primarily residential properties, even if the farmhouse acts as a business address for the farm. I would be grateful to hear his comments on that.

Finally, we all have sympathy with the householders caught up in the major floods of recent years, but it is important that this scheme does not reinforce complacency in the sector. There is a real risk of increased flooding from the effects of climate change. This scheme needs to be combined with drivers of behaviour change among consumers, businesses and government. The Minister referred to that. It is crucial that future flood management policies take a stronger line against building homes in high-risk areas, while developing sustainable land use plans and restoring flood plains. I hope that the Minister can reassure me that Flood Re will take these responsibilities seriously as part of its brief, and that the Environment Agency will receive sufficient funding to oversee those objectives effectively. I look forward to his response.

[Lord Moynihan (Con)]

Before my noble friend the Minister responds, I rise as one of the gently scrutinising antagonists in Committee and further stages on the original Bill. We are now reviewing the regulations that derive from it. I really do congratulate the Minister, his predecessor and Defra officials on the remarkable work undertaken on this. I hear what the noble Baroness says about timing, but this is a very short timescale to have made the progress that we have—to move from Royal Assent to today. We should place on record our thanks to all those who worked exceptionally hard to achieve that objective.

I simply want to echo a point the noble Baroness raised. When it comes to the first review it is very important that the scope of application of these regulations and the Flood Re scheme should be fully considered. During our earlier debates there were concerns. The noble Baroness alluded to one, about people living in similar buildings, or, indeed, the same building in different circumstances, being in different receipt of the Flood Re provisions. When it comes to the review we need to assess the impact of that on local communities and on those affected. I hope that the Minister will echo that that will be possible.

Finally, on flood maps, given the important work done by the Environment Agency and the insurance industry on those maps, it is vital that the water companies are also party to those discussions. I understand that government is already actively engaged, for the first time, with water companies on potential contributions to coastal flooding schemes and to the impact of flooding in their designated areas. It is important that the water companies are party to those discussions.

I conclude by thanking the Minister and the team again. I congratulate him on bringing forward these regulations in a timely fashion, and on the work that has been done to ensure that what looks like an outstandingly good scheme is now being implemented—but which will always be, I hope, subject to review and improvement in future.