UK Government money for flood defences show lack of commitment
October 10, 2007 12:00 AM
Abingdon resident shows Sharon the results of the floods
Sharon Bowles Liberal Democrat South East MEP has today criticised the UK Government of failing to commit the proper funding needed to invest in flood prevention.
Following the Chancellor's announcement in the Comprehensive Spending Review that £650m in 2008/09 has been ring fenced for flood defences, Sharon Bowles said "On the face of it this may appear generous, but in reality £650m falls far short of what is needed to protect homeowners. Even £800m in 2010/11 isn't enough. The people of the South East will not fall for this. We know first hand that this is not a time to scrimp and save."
The Government's announcement comes only days after AA Insurance said building premiums had risen by 3% in the last three months, in line with the estimated £3bn cost of the summer floods, and that further increases were likely.
Sharon said, "Increased investment in protecting homes now would mean lower costs in the long term and affordability for homeowners, who at the moment could face being priced out of home insurance altogether. Infrastructure for water, electricity and telephone exchanges are also at risk."
"Whereas some of us have been calling for greater spending on flood prevention for years, the UK Government should have at least learnt its lesson over the summer.
"My final message to Mr Darling is 'come on, get real'!"
ENDS
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