Norfolk MP's flooding bill seeks homeowner protection
'Growing crisis' over insurance and mortgages as Norfolk homeowners hit by flooding
Flooding in Attleborough (Image: Stuart Sharpin)
The devastation caused to Norfolk homes by flooding has sparked a fresh call for action to protect people from what an MP brands a "growing crisis" threatening the security of families.
Recent years have seen significant flooding in towns such as Long Stratton, Attleborough and Watton, with deluges causing major damage to scores of homes.
Flooding in Attleborough (Image: Newsquest)
Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman said the consequences of flooding extend far beyond the immediate damage caused by floodwater.
He warned that rising flood risks threaten the three foundations of housing security – insurability, mortgageability and saleability.
Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman (Image: Supplied)
This week, which is Flood Action Week, saw his flooding bill – in which the Conservative MP calls for law changes to protect homeowners and strengthen prevention – return to Parliament.
Through his Inland Flood Prevention (Responsibilities, Funding, Liabilities & Data) Bill, Mr Freeman is hoping to overhaul how flood management is co-ordinated, funded and delivered.
Mr Freeman said: “I have seen first-hand the devastation caused to homes in my constituency, from Attleborough to Watton.
"We invest so much time, energy, money and love into our homes.
"To then face floodwater, sewage, mud and debris, the loss of precious possessions and family heirlooms, and months – sometimes years – in temporary accommodation is profoundly stressful and damaging, both physically and emotionally.
"I want to do everything I can to help protect homeowners from that experience and have secured cross party support for my bill.”
Long Stratton was badly hit by flooding (Image: Ella Wilkinson)
Mr Freeman said insurer Aviva estimates there are 6.3 million properties in England at risk of flooding and warned: “Flooding is no longer an occasional emergency. For thousands of families, it is becoming a recurring nightmare – threatening their homes, their savings and their peace of mind.
"We face a major crisis of insurability, mortgageability and saleability. If a home becomes impossible to insure, it can become impossible to mortgage or sell.”
The bill includes extending an existing scheme to help households facing significant flood risk to access affordable home insurance, providing greater security for homeowners and supporting the continued mortgageability and saleability of properties.
The bill has been reintroduced following the start of a new parliamentary session.
It will need to clear a number of steps, including scrutiny by committees in the House of Commons and the House of Lords if it is to have any chance of becoming law.
