Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of flood insurance for businesses.

Defra carries out regular research on the availability and affordability of flood insurance for homeowners and businesses. The most recent study, carried out in 2018, showed that most businesses were able to obtain flood insurance, with only 2% of small businesses not able to find suitable insurance cover. The next round of research is due to be completed by autumn 2022.

For those businesses that may struggle to access insurance, the insurance industry offers a number of innovative insurance products to help those who are at risk of flooding. Businesses are also encouraged to shop around or consider using a broker to help them find a suitable product.