Amanda Blanc, chief executive of insurance giant Aviva, has warned that homes being built today could become uninsurable in the future due to rising flood risks. According to Aviva's research, 115,000 new homes will be built in flood zones in the next decade, with nearly a third of new homes built in 2024 at risk of some flooding by 2050.

Blanc told the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast that the risk of flooding is 'absolutely increasing' and that the current building patterns are 'not making sense.' She emphasized the need for careful consideration of where new homes are constructed, noting that 'it's very well known where these flooding areas are.'

The Environment Agency reports that 6.3 million homes and businesses in England are at risk of flooding. Aviva's research found that one in nine homes built between 2022 and 2024 are at medium to high risk of flooding. Blanc warned that construction near flood zones requires a different approach, including measures to reduce vulnerability to flood damage.

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated that the government has invested a record amount to protect nearly 900,000 properties against flooding damage. The department also mentioned that planning proposals will help ensure housebuilding does not proceed in flood-prone areas, aiming to build 1.5 million homes without compromising safety.

Blanc urged the government to avoid 'policy kite flying' ahead of Chancellor John Healey's first Budget on 28 October. She highlighted the impact of pension speculation on customer behavior, noting that withdrawals from pensions increased 30 times the normal rate in the past year. She warned that such speculation could lead to regrettable financial decisions for customers.

The Treasury spokesperson said the chancellor makes tax policy decisions at fiscal events and that speculation can be harmful, hence the lack of comment on future tax policy changes. Blanc also discussed Aviva's readiness to invest in UK infrastructure, noting the company already invests over £100bn in the UK, with £35bn allocated to infrastructure projects.

Blanc did not comment on the pension triple lock policy, which ensures state pension rises by the highest of average wage increases, inflation, or 2.5%. However, she noted that potential changes to the triple lock could have knock-on effects, requiring a balance between state and private pensions.

The evidence does not include a response from critics or affected parties. The report highlights the growing concern over flood risk and the need for policy intervention to prevent future housing crises. The exact number of homes at risk and the long-term impact of current building practices remain areas of uncertainty.