I have attached our proposal for flood insurance and the response form.
As discussed we would be most grateful if you could get the information
out to as many people as you can in your contact list. We would ask that
you don't send it to MPs since it is still in the draft stage.
The proposal has been produced because of our concern, and that of the
Town Council and Morpeth Chamber of Trade that if we are flooded again
to a similar magnitude to that of 2008 the town may not recover fully
due to the current system of insurance. It is not only Morpeth but
communities throughout the country who would benefit from our scheme.
In simple terms we are advocating taking the flood part of insurance out
of the calculation of premiums to be replaced with a solidarity element
in all household and business policies. This would make insurance
affordable for even the properties at most risk of flooding.
In preparing the document we have undertaken extensive research into how
insurance works in other European countries, in particular France and
Spain. Britain is the only country where renovation and repair to
private properties after flooding is totally financed by the private
sector.
We have also met with senior officials of ABI and have had two meetings
with the National Flood Forum.
Our intention is to hold a summit/conference to finalise the proposal
document on Saturday 2nd October in Morpeth Town Hall. All
interested parties are invited to attend. It is after this summit that
we will be seeking the support of MPs.
Should you require any further information about the proposal please do
not hesitate to contact me.
Alan Bell
tel. 01670 518609
mob. 07905 564252