According to latest information from the Association of British Insurers 45,000 households have made insurance claims in relation to the June and July floods, with 14,500 from commercial properties - this includes damage to hundreds of schools, roads and other infrastructure.
Reconstruction is therefore a key priority in the next phase of recovery efforts.
While the vast majority of people, including the building industry, are responding positively to this challenge there have been reports of both bogus traders and cowboy builders operating in flood-affected areas. Fraudsters are offering a range of work from construction, tree chopping, garden clearance and roof cleaning. Clearly substandard work may be dangerous and will only add to the misery of local people and bring additional costs.
The government has held discussions with the construction and insurance industry as well local agencies this week. Discussions are focussing on helping people find reputable builders.
The government is working with the industry and local agencies on the following issues:
- Giving local people practical advice on getting access to qualified tradesmen and how to avoid rogue traders - for example using the find a builder services offered by trade bodies and not agreeing a cash deal on the doorstep, even if the builder offers a reduction on the price.
- Closer information-sharing between insurers, the construction industry and local councils to ensure quicker support in areas with shortages of qualified builders and tradesmen.
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said:
'Whilst the flooding may have receded, the damage to homes and businesses remains. We will continue to do all we can working with the construction industry, insurers and local agencies on the reconstruction efforts over the coming months.
"While the vast majority of people, including the building industry, are responding positively to the challenge it is extremely saddening that some people are trying to cash-in and exploit the hardship of others. This behaviour is completely deplorable and I would urge residents to be vigilant if they are approached. There are a number of places where people can go for free advice including National Federation of Builders, the Federation of Master Builders or Consumer Direct."
Julia Evans, National Federation of Builders Chief Executive said:
"Getting detailed estimates in writing from at least three referenced builders is a vital first step to ensuring remedial work is done to a high standard. Alarm bells should start ringing if the work is offered free of VAT. People need to ask themselves if they really want the work done by someone who does so little work that they do not reach the VAT threshold, or, if they are dodging their tax liabilities what else will they try to dodge."
The Communities Secretary also set out other key priorities over the coming weeks to support flood recovery. These include:
- Work to ensure we put together the best possible application to the European Commission for support from the European Union Solidarity Fund to help support recovery from the floods
- Making payments to local authorities to help those people affected by the July floods who are most in need.
- Cross-government work to ensure that every child is back in full-time schooling in September, with the vast majority back in class in their schools' permanent site.
- Keeping Britain moving through speedy repairs to flood-damaged roads.
- Promoting a strong message to tourists that we are open for business - particularly important in the light of the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
- Ensuring flood-hit businesses and farmers are getting the support they need through the Regional Development Agencies.
Hazel Blears added:
"The government is in this for the long-haul. The recovery efforts will take months but we are committed to doing all we can during this time in helping communities get back on their feet."
