Country ‘was unprepared for floods’

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The UK saw a rush of home insurance claims due to last summer's floods because the country was so ill-prepared, according to an independent report.

Sir Michael Pitt’s Government-commissioned review contains 92 recommendations on how Britain could be better equipped in the event of another crisis like that of 2007 .

He said the £800 million-a-year flood defence budget for 2010 to 2011 was "about right" but urged the Government to spend money more wisely, rather than spending more.

Sir Michael said: "What we are arguing is that we were not well prepared last summer for the scale of flooding that took place."

"Our recommendations are geared up to improve the response both locally and nationally. Most of the recommendations are not expensive. Most can take place within existing resources."

Recommendations included the creation of a definitive electronic map of all Britain's drainage ditches and streams, stating who owns what sections and who is responsible for keeping them clear.

Sir Michael said this was after widespread confusion last summer among councils, local agencies and landowners as to who was responsible for maintaining drainage routes.

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