Zurich Municipal has found through Freedom of Information requests that local councils have received 35% more claims from property owners for flood damage caused by sudden downpours in the past two years. Although the government has committed to invest £1.6bn in highways maintenance, Zurich Municipal said this would only scratch the surface for local authorities as they struggle with Victorian-era drainage systems and torrential rain from climate change.

Alix Bedford, a risk expert at Zurich Municipal, said: “Well-maintained roads and drainage systems are vital for managing heavy rainfall and mitigating the risk of flash flooding, and will become even more important in the future. So, it is important that this is taken into account when looking at funding and making resourcing decisions.

“However, there are some simple steps that local authorities can take to help mitigate flash flooding. For instance, regularly clearing gutters and gulleys, investing in sustainable urban drainage systems and directing funding for drainage improvement and maintenance in areas that are most at risk of flooding.”