West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin gave her commitment that she will fight to ensure flood-risk properties in her constituency will continue to receive insurance cover. The MP was speaking following a ministerial statement on the effect of a change in the way insurance companies price premiums for flood-affected homes – due to come into force in August 2013. Richard Benyon, Minister for the Natural Environment, announced that the Government remained committed to making sure that flood insurance remains widely available. Constituents have been in contact with Harriett fearful that they will be denied home insurance next year when the Statement of Principles between the insurance companies and the Government comes to an end. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ statement confirms that it will work with the insurance companies to identify measures which will help safeguard affordable home insurance for at-risk homeowners. Harriett commented: “My constituency has a lot of properties which are in the River Severn, Avon and Teme valleys. “The good news is that the Environment Agency has built schemes to protect properties in Pershore, Uckinghall, Powick, Upton-upon-Severn and Kempsey and all these schemes will protect homes before the current Statement of Principles expires. “However, I have spoken to the Environment Agency about updating their flood-risk map to reflect these improvements.” “Where property-owners have taken steps to build in more resilience to their homes or businesses, this should also be reflected. “I now feel it is time that the insurance companies took this investment into account and committed to offering a fair package to home and business-owners. “I continue to fight for better protection from flooding for residents and businesses in Tenbury Wells. “Where individual constituents do run into difficulties with their insurance, can I urge them to contact me or the ABI directly and we may be able to find a more helpful firm.”