The government needs to get spending in order to reduce the risk of major flooding, insurers have urged.

Ministers have been warned that investment in flood defences cannot wait and that money needs to go in now to avoid a repeat of the devastating scenes witnessed this summer.

Britain endured the worst flooding in recent memory with insurers picking up a £3 billion tab for damage to homes and businesses.

The government has said it will increase spending by 2011, but the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) believes action is needed right away.

"We are urging the government to spend their money now," said Graeme Trudgill, technical services director at the BIBA.

"They have promised £800 million to be spent on this by 2011 but we are saying they need to spend that money now."

Up to 60,000 homes were damaged by the summer floods, which followed three months rainfall that was around twice the usual level.

Home insurance policy holders living in Surrey may welcome news police in the area have launched a crackdown on burglary.The force explained although break-ins were not a major problem in the area, it...

Householders who leave keys in places where they can be seen by passers by could be increasing the likelihood they will have to make a home insurance claim, it has been suggested.Police in Stonesfield...

Home insurance customers in Huddersfield are being offered help that could reduce their chances of having to make a claim.West Yorkshire police announced people visiting the Armitages Garden Centre in...