Changing Weather Patterns and Floods Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Earl of Kinnoull
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Changing Weather Patterns and Floods
Earl of Kinnoull Excerpts(1 week ago)
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Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
I am sure my noble friend is aware that the Government are keen to stop any inappropriate payments to senior members of water companies where they have been seen to pollute indiscriminately.
The Earl of Kinnoull (CB)
My Lords, Flood Re is a temporary system that will run out in 2039 and is aimed only at domestic dwellings, which is a great disadvantage to owners of microbusinesses and small businesses in affected areas. It would be hugely helpful if Flood Re could be extended to those things. Could the Minister tell us what the prospects are for that?
Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
The noble Earl is right. Flood Re has been very successful regarding residential properties but there has always been an issue around the fact that it does not extend to businesses or to multiple-occupancy dwellings over a certain number. I have in the past spent some time working with insurance representatives on what can be done to better support businesses. It would be complex to extend Flood Re to businesses, but that does not mean there is not a problem. As someone who lives in Cockermouth, where we regularly have problems like this, I am aware that we need to do more to consider how best to support businesses through flooding. I do not think Flood Re is the answer, but we need to explore what else is out there.