WIREDGOV

As people affected by the flooding face the huge task of getting back to normal, Citizens Advice calls on insurers to deal with claims quickly to help households and businesses get back on track after the storms.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy said:

"Insurers must not drag their feet in helping people recover from flooding. After the storms of 2007, people were still going to their local Citizens Advice Bureaux more than a year after the initial floods, because their insurance provider had let them down.

“People whose homes and possessions have been wrecked by storms simply can't afford for insurers to add to their pile of problems with unfair or slow service. I'm pleased that Government is working with insurers to make sure people are treated fairly and can get back on track as quickly as possible.

"Problems from flooding remain long after floodwater has receded. We saw first-hand after the floods of 2007 that some of the most damaging effects of storms often only emerge after television cameras have left flooded areas.

“It is not just insurance claims that people will struggle with. A number of our clients were unable to get to work because their employer had been flooded, resulting in lost wages and significant financial stress.  Some businesses can come unstuck because deliveries can't be made to flood-hit areas.  Children's education can take a hit as schools are unable to open, which can also have the knock-on effect of ratcheting up childcare costs for parents.

"No organisation knows their local community better than a Citizens Advice Bureau. Our army of volunteer advisers are on the frontline helping communities get back on their feet after these storms.  We will continue to work with hard-hit residents as they come to terms with the dreadful impact of this appalling weather."

Citizens Advice

Notes to editors

1. This year the Citizens Advice service celebrates its 75th anniversary. We’ve planned a year of activity running from January to December 2014.  Contact the press office to find out more.
2. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
3. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
4. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at www.adviceguide.org.uk
5. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
6. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.6 million problems from April 2012 to March 2013. For full 2012/2013 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
7. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 22,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.