Homeowners in flood-hit areas could be entitled to discounted insurance premiums if they install protections against the elements under government proposals. Ministers on Monday launched a consultation into plans for insured householders to be able to claim money to cover the damage caused and receive funds to make their homes more resilient. They could also be able to obtain discounted insurance premiums if they install resilience measures, such as flood barriers and air brick covers. According to Defra, there have been at least 23,000 publicly funded installations of property flood resilience measures since 2009. “However, the government is seeking ways to increase uptake across the country, alongside providing record funding for new flood and coastal defences,” a spokesperson said. The environment secretary, George Eustice, said: “My thoughts are with all of those affected by storms Bella and Christoph. “In Northwich last week I saw for myself the impact that flooding has on homes, businesses and communities. I am determined to get more support to people hit time and again by floods. These plans aim to give households in flood-hit areas additional support to protect their properties.” The floods minister, Rebecca Pow, said: “During Storm Christoph 49,000 properties were protected by our defences. I recognise that this is of little comfort to those who have been flooded and that there is more to do. “The plans will give people in flood-hit areas more help to build back better and reduce the risk to homeowners in the future. Combined with a record £5.2bn government investment over the next six years in new flood and coast defences, hundreds of thousands of properties will be better protected.”