MP demands insurers use local builders not partner firms
Copeland in Cumbria’s Labour MP Jamie Reed wants insurers forced to employ local firm to repair homes hit by flooding, claiming they could start work quickly and it would boost the local economy, the North-East Evening Mails reports.
But the Association of British Insurers (ABI) says insurers have nominated companies to do repairs.
Reed said in a parliament on Tuesday night: “We really do need to look at changing this system. Experience has shown us in Carlisle there was a real appetite for local, accountable, contactable building companies; not just companies which appear out of nowhere overnight and then disappear without a trace.
Not all specialist work
“Some specialist work will be needed but most work could be undertaken by local providers.
“In areas of flood recovery the local economy is often badly hit and this is one way in which this can be addressed. If insurers won’t look at changing their own arrangements, government should change it for them.”
