Government proposes further support for flood resilience measures in York and North Yorkshire
Discounted insurance premiums could be offered.
Last updated 8th Feb 2021
Homes in York and North Yorkshire who install flood defences could be set for discounted insurance premiums.
In a statement the Government says: "Under the new plans, insured households that experience flooding would not only claim money to cover the damage caused, but could also receive additional funds to build back better and make their homes more resilient.
"The government has also published a Call for Evidence to look at changes to the flood funding formula to benefit frequently flooded communities, and ways to increase the uptake of property flood resilience measures so that homes and businesses are better protected".
In January Storm Christoph hit North Yorkshire, and badly affected properties in Malton.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: "My thoughts are with all of those affected by Storms Bella and Christoph.
"These plans aim to give households in flood-hit areas additional support to protect their properties".
Floods Minister Rebecca Pow said: "During Storm Christoph 49,000 properties were protected by our defences. I recognise that this is of little comfort to those who have been flooded and that there is more to do.
"The plans will give people in flood-hit areas more help to build back better and reduce the risk to homeowners in the future.
"Combined with a record £5.2 billion government investment over the next six years in new flood and coast defences, hundreds of thousands properties will be better protected".
Claire Foale lives in York and lost wedding gifts and Christmas presents when she was flooded in 2012 (September) and 2015 (Boxing Day): "We had expected water to flood into the house, but we hadn't expected more than 2 or 3 centimetres.
"We hadn't lifted as many of our items as we could've done, so we pretty much lost everything. After that, we worked with the Environment Agency and another company to get some flood resilience measures in.
"But in 2015, despite putting the gates up and having the pumps the water still came in. It was as a result of poor installation, but the company couldn't work with us further as they went bankrupt.
"Fortunately the Environment Agency helped us with grants and provided additional measures. We've not had chance to test the new equipment yet, but we feel more safe and the new company has been very good with instructions.
"We'd definitely welcome discounted premiums (under the new plans). It's really important to take control over what's happening. We had so many sentimental items ruined by flooding, so there's a whole emotional health issue around it.
"It's really important for your own anxiety levels to put measures in. Living by the river is beautiful, and we have a close-knit community so we don't want to leave. However, we have to be ready for when the river comes up again.
"Bringing in resilience measures can give you that peace of mind".