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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Floods: Home Insurance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the oral statement 'Flood Insurance: Reform of Flood Re' of 1 July 2026, what assessment she has made of the impact of the reforms on the affordability of household flood insurance.

Answer

On 1 July 2026 this Government announced reforms to ensure Flood Re remains fair, sustainable and focused on supporting the lower and average-income households who need it most. Without reform, rising claims and reinsurance costs would place increasing pressure on the scheme and its affordability.

From April 2027, Flood Re will halve the premium it charges insurers for contents cover in Council Tax Bands A and B from £52 to £25. The reforms are specifically designed to reduce the cost of flood insurance for lower-income households with contents, and the Government expects eligible households to benefit from lower premiums. Insurers are expected to pass these savings on to consumers.

Flood Re will work with insurers and lenders to introduce Flood Performance Certificates, helping households better understand their flood risk and ensuring that if they take action to make their homes more resilient it is reflected in their insurance premiums. Flood Re will pilot Flood Performance Certificates by the end of 2026, with wider rollout to follow.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15504
Session
2026-27
Related items
Flood Insurance: Reform of Flood Re
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Floods Home insurance Flood Re
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk