Commenting on today’s Pitt Report on flooding, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Steve Webb said:

"It is totally unacceptable that, one year on, there are still 5,000 families not back in their own homes.

"The Pitt Review shows that urgent action is needed and yet all the Government is promising is draft legislation later in the year. Householders at risk of flooding this summer will not be impressed by the Government's leisurely attitude.

"DEFRA may want to do its best to tackle flooding, but once again it is being thwarted by the actions of the rest of Government.

"The Government is insisting on its target of 3 million new homes by 2026, yet hasn’t ruled out building on flood risk areas.

"People in such areas are already finding that they cannot sell their homes and they cannot get insurance. It is sheer folly to press ahead with massive, centrally imposed house-building targets which are bound to lead to pressure for building in flood plains."