New funding to support pilot grant scheme for flood resilience launched this week
Posted: Wednesday 16th May 2007
A £500,000 funding package to help make vulnerable homes more resilient to the threat of flooding was announced by Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Ian Pearson this week.
Mr Pearson, speaking to a workshop on flood resilience hosted by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in London, said that the funding supported the first phase of a pilot grant scheme for vulnerable households, which would be under increased threat as climate change increased the risk of flooding to low-lying areas of the UK.
Currently, around 470,000 properties in England and Wales are at risk of flooding, including 393,000 homes – this is likely to rise as the effects of climate change increase.
The funding will help to provide effective measures against flooding for vulnerable properties in England. These may include measures to stop water getting into the home, such as temporary door-guards or waterproof render, or to reduce damage if water does enter the home, such as water-resistant walls and floors or raising electrics.
Mr Pearson said:
“With climate change, it’s more important than ever that householders know about, understand and can access the options that are available to them to help minimise the damage that can be caused by flooding.
“Providing better information and advice for householders on how to respond to flood risk is an important part of our strategy to reduce flood risk to people and property. We want to continue to work with the insurance industry to ensure that people have the guidance they need to make informed choices about incorporating flood management measures in their homes.
“In addition, the pilot grant scheme I have announced today will help some of the most vulnerable households put flood resilience measures in place.”
