The Association of British Insurers(ABI) is calling for a new kitemark for housing developments planned in the floodplain.

The voluntary kitemark would set minimum construction standards, such as the use of water-resistant building materials.
 
Speaking today at the EXPO CO2 conference in Barcelona, Stephen Haddrill, the ABI's director general, said:
 
"We need new homes, but the UK Government's plans to build three million homes by 2020 are in jeopardy unless we make them more resistant to flooding. A new standard and kitemark for new housing developments would benefit consumers, developers and insurers.
 
"Consumers would have more confidence in a property's ability to withstand a flood, developers could use it as a marketing tool, and insurers would be better placed to offer competitively-priced flood insurance. And it would help make the Government's vision a reality."