This is how residents in flood-hit parts of Doncaster may be able to get better insurance cover in future

Amanda Blanc, former chairman of the Association of British Insurers, will lead the review and wants to hear from residents about problems they have faced and what levels of cover they have been able to get.

The review is intended to examine the level of insurance cover held by those affected in the borough, the barriers they may have faced in obtaining cover and whether there are any systemic issues in the provision of flood insurance.

Government officials say data will be collected through speaking to residents and businesses in the borough, where official figures say over 760 properties were reported as having flooded.

The River Don recorded highest-ever levels last November after over two and a half times Doncaster’s average rainfall.

The review is intented to provide recommendations that will help enable homes and businesses to get enough cover for flooding and will be considered for future Government policies.

Pam Webb, who runs the Truffle Lodge Spa in Fishlake, hit the headlines after being told her insurance would not cover flood damage because of a clause that had been inserted in the contract.

And Phil and Dawn Henderson had been unable to insure their Ferryboat Farm Fisheries business, in Old Denaby, which was devasted by the floods, which left them facing costs amounting to tens of thousands of pounds.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: ”We want at risk homes and businesses to be able to access sufficient insurance so they have the help they need to get back on their feet as soon as possible after a flood.”

Review chairman Amanda Blanc said: “For insurance to be effective, all communities, including those most at risk, should consider that flood cover is both available and affordable. I am keen to start work to ascertain if this has been the case in Doncaster under the current system and to make recommendations to ensure the benefits of flood insurance are accessible to all.”

The review is set to be completed by the end of September 2020. Contact [email protected].