The Scottish Government and the insurance industry have reached an agreement that will ensure greater protection for homes and businesses from flooding, Environment Minister Mike Russell announced yesterday.

The Scottish Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have agreed to work together to minimise flood risk and ensure quicker help for people when flooding does take place.

Russell commented: "While flood defences, flood warnings and other policies can reduce the risk from flooding, these risks can never be completely eliminated.

"This historic agreement – the first of its kind between the ABI and a Scottish Government – enables households and small businesses to plan for and minimise the financial costs of flooding.

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"Insurance companies will provide effective and efficient claims services and repair teams when flooding occurs, whilst the Government will put in place various policies to promote flood prevention and mitigation schemes."

ABI's Justin Jacobs suggested the agreement was "good news for Scottish customers".

"The Scottish Government rightly recognises that a long-term flood strategy, backed by adequate resources and funding, is the best way to manage the growing flood threat.

"We look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure that these measures are implemented so that flood protection relied upon by homeowners and businesses remains widely available," he said.

The Scottish Government has outlined plans to develop a long-term strategy over 25 years to reduce flood risk, while the ABI will continue to make flood insurance available for homes and small businesses and promote access to insurance for low-income households.

The ABI has also agreed to encourage customers to reinstate flood damaged property in ways which will make it more resilient to flooding.

(GK/KMcA)