Oral Answers to Questions

Jessica Morden Excerpts

Thursday 16th May 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Heath]

That is absolutely right. It is contained within the Home Office proposals and the Home Office Bill, and I think it will largely be welcomed across the House.

[Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab)]

9. What steps he is taking on flood insurance.

[Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab)]

10. What steps he is taking on flood insurance.

[Jessica Morden]

Home owners in flood-risk communities are becoming increasingly anxious about this Government’s failure to get a deal on flood insurance. Two hundred thousand properties in flood-risk areas face the prospect of either higher premiums or not getting insured at all. Extending the talks is fine, but when are we going to see a deal on this issue?

[Mr Paterson]

The current arrangements are not guaranteed to hold premiums down. We are seeking an arrangement that will last well into the future, will deliver affordability and comprehensiveness, and will not impose a huge burden on the taxpayer. The hon. Lady may wish to pop into the Library, or, if she comes to see me later, I will give her a copy of the letter from the ABI. She will see that the tone of the letter demonstrates that we are very close to an agreement, although there are still some important issues to be resolved.