Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has considered the merits of introducing a law to compel property owners to have adequate insurance for damage caused by their trees, especially in the context of more frequent storms and extreme weather related to climate change.

The government has no plans to introduce a legal requirement for property owners to hold insurance against damage caused by trees on their land.

Property owners are responsible for managing trees on their land and may be liable for damage caused where negligence can be established. Many buildings insurance policies will provide some degree of third-party liability cover. The Government would always recommend that consumers shop around to find the most suitable cover at the best price.