A decision to exclude homes built after 2009 and small businesses from an agreement with the insurance industry over flooding cover has been branded as “nonsense” by a politician.
The deal had been rattled out by the government following fast-rising premiums in the sector in the weeks leading up to the expiration of a previous arrangement.
However, the Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Gilbert – whose constituency is in a regularly flood-hit area of Cornwall – has criticised a decision not to include new-build homes and small-sized firms from general cover.
Under the deal, homeowners will pay £10.50 on their annual home insurance premiums in order to guarantee that insurers will still offer those with properties in at-risk areas cover.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Mr Gilbert said: “It is clearly a nonsense to suggest that homes built since 2009 won’t be covered.”
He added that he may be forced to take action to ensure changes to the scheme when it comes before ministers later in the year to make sure that the safety net of insurance is both available and affordable for everyone.
