5 million English homes at risk of flooding

MPs have warned that around one in six (five million) properties in England may be at risk of flooding. The Guardian (25 March) highlighted the report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) suggesting that flooding from coastal, river and surface water is likely to affect many homes and businesses, with climate change contributing to the problem.

While the flooding budget for spending on new defences has already been set for the next six years, maintenance funding is agreed on an annual basis. According to MPs, this makes it more difficult for the Environment Agency to take a long-term approach to maintaining existing flood protection.

The committee urged the Treasury to confirm longer budgets for maintenance and argued that investment in new defences could be needed sooner than expected. The PAC also claims that public awareness regarding flood risk management, for example the responsibility of landowners to maintain defences, is lacking.

PAC member Richard Bacon said: “The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Environment Agency have done a good job in improving the cost-effectiveness of their approach to flood risk management.

“However, there are major risks to the sustainability of current levels of flood protection, which could impact on long-term value for money.”

Flood damage services

If you have been affected by flooding or an escape of water, contact Rainbow International. Rainbow are experts in flood clean-up and flood restoration, ensuring that your home or business premises is returned to its pre-incident condition as quickly as possible.

Flood damage can affect the structure and integrity of the building if it is not handled by flood clean-up experts. To find out more about Rainbow’s flood restoration services, contact your local Rainbow branch or call Rainbow’s 24/7 helpline on 01623 422488.

Rainbow International has a network of more than 70 multi-personnel, multi-vehicle franchises. The network provides fire damage restoration, flood restoration, accidental damage restoration and specialist commercial cleaning services to domestic and commercial clients. It is used by the UK’s top insurance companies and all major loss adjusters as well as many commercial organisations.

Visit the Guardian to read the full article.