Government promises to improve flood defences

The government has pledged to deliver improvements to flood defences due within the next five years, it has been reported.

What's more, assurances have been given that planning permission will not be granted for developments which could contribute to flooding in the future.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, environment minister Phil Woolas said: "The insurance companies, very reasonably, say that it's necessary to have a long-term strategy.

"We're looking at, of course, coastal flooding as well as river flooding and surface-water flooding, to ensure that the increased investment that we have - and we have increased investment in flood defences in this country quite substantially - are sustained in the long term."

Mr Woolas said it was important measures were taken to minimise the effects of flooding as scientists have predicted that the impact of climate change will increase the prevalence of extreme weather conditions in the future.

As well as the government taking action, it is important homeowners do all they can - including making sure they have adequate home insurance cover.

According to the Association of British Insurers, 517,000 homes in the UK are at risk of being flooded.

11/07/2008 16:31:45