The environment minister Phil Woolas has claimed authorities are taking action to ensure the UK is better prepared to deal with flooding, which could affect home insurance costs.

Speaking at the New Civil Engineer water conference, Mr Woolas revealed the Environment Agency will have a new strategic overview role for all forms of flood risk management under proposals in the Floods and Water Bill.

"In the year since last summer's devastating floods, and in response to Sir Michael Pitt's interim report, we have been taking action to ensure the country is better prepared to deal with flooding," he said.

Should greater measures be taken to prevent damage from flooding and surface water, it could reduce the number of home insurance claims made which may bring prices down.

The Association of British Insurers recently claimed over half a million homes in the UK are uninsurable as their locations are at risk from being flooded in the event of heavy rainfall.

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