Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the level of difficulty in obtaining a) home and b) buildings insurance for thatched buildings.

The government has not made a specific assessment regarding the availability of home insurance for thatched buildings.

Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. The UK’s home insurance market is competitive, with many providers offering a variety of insurance products. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of financial services, has a statutory objective to promote competition in the interests of consumers.

The government would always recommend that consumers shop around to find the most suitable cover at the best price. For more specialised risks, such as thatched roofing, it may be helpful for consumers to consult an insurance broker, who will be able to help search the market for specialist providers.