A looming crisis means householders are faced with rising bills for flood insurance because of government delays, an MP has warned.
Barnsley East MP Michael Dugher has written to environment secretary Caroline Spelman urging her take action.
Homes in his constituency were again put a risk on Friday when flash floods swamped the borough. And he said it highlighted the 'looming crisis' and the fact that people in flood-prone areas were struggling to get insurance.
In his letter to Mrs Spelman, Mr Dugher, said: “The previous government increased investment in flood defences and in return the insurance industry agreed to keep insurance available. However, this government has cut capital investment in flood defences by 27 per cent, creating uncertainty for homes and businesses at risk of flooding.
“The Association of British Insurers has warned that unless the Government agrees a new sustainable long-term solution for insurance, up to 200,000 high-risk households across the country will face problems in getting flood insurance in June 2013.
“I am sure you understand my concern for my local residents that have been hit by flooding in recent years. I would urge you and other ministers to take the necessary action immediately.”
He added that despite a lack of resources the emergency services and Barnsley Council officers had helped as mych as possible.
“The Government is cutting £400m from the flood defence budget and it appears that this may have resulted in resources being too stretched across our region.
"Whilst I accept that priorities will always have to be made, there is a sense that a lack of resources meant that Barnsley was simply not a priority at all, leaving residents in the Borough potentially exposed.”
