July floods cost insurers £1.5bn
Damage caused in Gloucestershire by the July floods cost insurers £1.5bn

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has put the bill for Gloucestershire's floods at £1.5bn, and said that the Government promise to increase spending on floods by £230m by 2010 was not enough.
More than 200 roads were affected by the July floods, as well as thousands of homes. The total costs may well be more than £1.5bn, as some people have only just got back into their homes and are just beginning to assess the full damage.
'Let's be clear about this,' said ABI spokesman Malcolm Tarling in a statement. 'There's no automatic assumption that premiums will rise, some companies may increase their premiums, some will absorb the cost.'
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Bringing the quintessential English rural idle to life via interiors, food and drink, property and more Country Life’s travel content offers a window into the stunning scenery, imposing stately homes and quaint villages which make the UK’s countryside some of the most visited in the world.
-
Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 pictures
Plus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
By James Fisher Published
-
Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courts
From Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated