In a move which could affect home insurance, the British Property Federation (BPF) has urged the government to invest more time and money in flood defences, following the results of last summer's floods.

Over 165,000 insurance claims cost the industry around £3 billion and the federation is calling on the government to act before insurance companies withdraw cover for those whose homes are at risk from flooding.

Such a move could have an effect on mortgages because insurance is a key condition of the agreement.

In a letter to Sir Michael Pitt, who is investigating the floods of 2007, the BPF has called on officials to improve the country's flood defences, 46 per cent of which a National Audit Office report found to be inadequate.

"This is not simply a case of throwing more money at flood defences. We need someone to develop a country-wide solution and hold their hands up to say 'in the short term, this is going to cost a lot more than we're investing,'" said Liz Peace, chief executive of the BPF.

She added that investment now would prevent problems in the future.

The federation aims to help the commercial property industry grow and represents the interests of those involved in property ownership and investment in the UK.

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