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PCA sets out mounting flood risk challenges across UK
Dangerous flash flooding, rising water tables and difficulties accessing insurance are among the increasing flood risk challenges facing households across the UK.
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Experts at national trade body, the Property Care Association (PCA), called for a strategic approach to manage flood risk for homes in a bid to encourage better resilience from flood water as the Government aims to fulfil its manifesto pledge to build 1.5 million homes.

PCA
The PCA emphasised the need for a cohesive strategy for assessment of flood risk at planning, community and individual levels following a recent Bricks and Water cross party inquiry at the House of Lords.
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The trade body understands that if properties are not flood risk assessed, then post-flood repair costs are set to spiral for insurers and householders. The Flood Re initiative between government and insurers is due to expire in 2039 which could result in home insurers not providing appropriate financial protection to property in flood areas.ā
Andrew Devitt, Technical Manager (Waterproofing) at the PCA said: “The current approach to flood mitigation is uncoordinated resulting in low uptake of currently available flood resilience schemes, despite clear evidence that homes that are resiliently designed are effectively protected from future flood events.
“There are many causes of flooding, including rising water tables and changing weather patterns – and the challenges are mounting.
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“Lack of investment in our drainage infrastructure and development of the urban landscape – particularly in view of the government’s housing pledge - means more homes are falling within expanding zones of flood risk.
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“The PCA vision is to ensure there is a recognised route to competence for surveyors, so they can properly understand the risk and impact on the built environment, both existing and new build.”
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According to the PCA, reports from various government committees and agencies point to the need for a coordinated approach to flood risks, with trained and qualified surveyors working with local authorities, communities and property owners to assess buildings, assign risk factors and recommend appropriate design solutions for flood resistance, resilience and recovery.

Andrew Devitt, Technical Manager (Waterproofing)
Andrew added: “The PCA has a network of members involved in flood protection and aims to further develop specialist training so surveyors can deliver actionable solutions and enable insurers to reassess financial risks and potentially extend cover to properties that are currently deemed uninsurable.
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“This is an ambitious undertaking, but we are confident that the PCA and its members possess the knowledge and skill sets required to establish an effective, structured approach to flood risk assessment and mitigation.
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“Together, we can make meaningful progress toward protecting homes, communities, and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of flooding.”
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For help and advice about flood resistance and resilience measures, go to:
