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Written question asked by Jayne Kirkham (Labour) on Thursday, 9 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Rachel Blake (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Treasury.

Housing: Insurance

Question

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.

Answer

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.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17584
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Climate change Damage Housing Insurance Owner occupation Weather Trees
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk