Flood Performance Certificates – the key to unlock property flood resilience?

Andy Bord, CEO of Flood Re, writes an opinion piece on the subject of Flood Performance Certificates – the key to unlock property flood resilience?

Andy Bord, CEO, Flood Re

I am writing this as 2020 draws to a close. An unprecedented year. An extraordinary year. But a year that ends with the hopes of better days ahead.

For me, one of the most prominent consequences of the pandemic is how it has led many of us to re-evaluate what is most important in our work and personal lives. I believe the choices we make about where we live and the homes we live in are going to be even more important now. It is for this reason that the publication of Flood Re’s report into property Flood Performance Certificates (FPCs) is so timely.

I was pleased to welcome the Flooding Minister, Rebecca Pow MP at the launch of our FPC report last week. Her support for Flood Re’s proposals to offer discounted insurance premiums to households who proactively install PFR measures as well as supporting our ‘Build Back Better’ initiative to allow the payment of claims to include an additional amount for resilient or resistant repair is positive progress.

But to meet our shared ambition of creating a more flood resilient nation, we need to go further.

A new survey by Flood Re – from polling organisation Populus – found that the pandemic has spurred many to look to move home due to changes in their financial circumstances, their work situation, and their housing priorities. 40 per cent of home movers have said that the virus has impacted their decision to move in some way – some want more space, some access to a garden and for others it’s less proximity to the city.

While this trend has led to a recent boom for estate agents, what is hugely significant is how important flood risk is for many potential home movers. Our polling also found 80 per cent of people who are planning to move home said understanding a property’s flood risk is an important consideration. Most significantly, a massive 81 per cent of people think the introduction of Flood Performance Certificates is a good idea.

You might be asking why FPCs are so popular. But, with the recent winter floods still fresh in the memory, there is a growing understanding that climate change will increase the frequency and severity of flooding and more properties in the UK will be at risk of flooding. So, the answer is simple: people want to be prepared.

Everybody knows we can’t stop the rain from falling, but we can be prepared when it arrives. But how can you be prepared if you don’t know what to do? This is where FPCs can play a vital role.

Research within Flood Re’s new report shows that a lack of information around both the level of risk faced by a household, as well as how they can take steps to address this, prevents many from taking appropriate steps to address their flood risk.

I believe it is this lack of information that has led to an overwhelming number of people support the introduction of a Flood Performance Certificate.

Much like the current Energy Performance Certificate, we envisage an FPC to provide clear, accessible information. This can inform people on their property’s flood risk, explain what action needs to be taken, estimate the associated costs and also provide information on accredited local tradespeople to install the measures.

By collating useful, relevant and user-friendly flood-risk information into one document, it creates a personal roadmap that will encourage more people to install property flood resilience measures and mitigate against future flood risk.

As Chief Executive of Flood Re, I know the vital role insurance plays in addressing flood risk and providing peace of mind to millions. I am delighted that Flood Re has worked to increase the availability of affordable flood cover with more than 300,000 properties benefitting from the Scheme since its launch four years ago.

This is undoubtedly positive. We are moving in the right direction.

But to go further to meet our ambitions means creating innovative solutions that won’t just maintain the status quo of flood risk at current levels, but will allow us to address the increasing flood risk resulting from climate change and the demand for new house building..

I strongly believe with the right support and backing, Flood Performance Certificates can be the key that unlocks the door to a nation that is more resilient to future flooding.

Let’s hope this is just the start of that conversation.

Kindly shared by Flood Re

Main article photo courtesy of Pixabay