OXFORDSHIRE residents living in flood-risk areas could soon get help with their insurance.

The Government has introduced a new Water Bill and is seeking to consult with the public on reform of the water industry.

It wants insurance prices to be set according to council tax bands so that people will know the maximum they could be asked to pay.

A new industry-backed levy will be created to fund it, and enable insurance companies to cover those at most risk of flooding.

And, under the new proposals, non-residential customers will be able to choose their water supplier.

In March, Oxford East MP Andrew Smith and Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood called on the Government to take on some of the financial risk in return for a cap on insurance premiums.

Mr Smith welcomed the proposals.

He said: “It is good that the insurance industry and the Government are committed to a workable scheme. But it is urgent that it is sorted out, so that the several thousand people and businesses in Oxfordshire affected by this know where they stand.”