Monthly meetings between insurers and the UK Government will be held to aid the response to devastating winter floods.

The Government says the meetings will ensure everything is done “to provide prompt and full payment to customers” and that Whitehall and the insurance industry are “fully co-ordinated”.

The first meeting, attended by the CEOs of Aviva, Direct Line Group, Axa, Lloyds Banking Group and Ageas, along with the Claims Director of RSA and the Association of British Insurers (ABI), took place last week.

Insurers restated their commitment to voluntarily maintaining the 2008 statement of principles on flood insurance until the guaranteed affordable flood insurance scheme, Flood Re, is delivered next year.

They also confirmed there are enough loss adjusters and stocks of specialised drying equipment to begin the repair and restoration process after floodwaters recede.

“Insurers assured ministers the situation is under control and that customers have been helped speedily and effectively since the flooding and bad weather began in December,” ABI Director-General Otto Thoresen said.

“They emphasised the long recovery process ahead and their commitment to helping customers through this difficult time.”

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced details of flood support packages for homeowners and businesses, including a £10 million ($18.55 million) business support scheme and council tax refunds for flood-hit households.

The floods are the worst to hit the country since 2007, with the cost expected to exceed £1 billion ($1.86 billion).