Floods Recovery Minister John Healey today published an update of progress being made getting people affected by last summer's floods back in their homes.

Mr Healey praised local authorities and the insurance industry for the part they have played in housing those affected by last summer's floods.

Publishing new figures on those still out of their homes the Minister recognised the real progress that has been made but called on everyone involved to step up efforts to get people home over the coming weeks and months.

Mr Healey also said that too many households do not have adequate insurance and Government would work with the insurance industry to encourage greater take-up. Up to one in eight of the affected households may not have buildings cover.

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Mr Healey said: "Next month marks one year on from the first of last summer's floods where we saw one of the biggest operations in this country since the Second World War. A huge amount has been achieved in terms of getting communities back on their feet and the insurance industry has played a big part in this.

"In particular I congratulate local authorities and housing associations for their efforts in getting their tenants back home. They now have around 200 families waiting to return home. Back last summer there were thousands affected so this is a real achievement.

"But the fact remains that far too many households are still in temporary accommodation and unable to return home. People are frustrated and are asking why. They want to know how it can take so long to dry out and get repairs and insurance sorted out on their homes.

"So I urge councils and the insurance industry to step up the pace of progress over the coming weeks and months."

(CD/JM)