ALMOST 300 households - including 12 in caravans - are still not back in their homes following last summer's floods.

West Oxfordshire is the worst affected with 159 households, including those living in caravans, while 97 are still not home in Vale of White Horse, ten months after last July's flooding.

In Oxford there are 35, according to the new figures released today by the Government.

Nationally the total is 5,659, with more than 1,400 households still living in caravans.

Floods recovery minister John Healey promised affected families they had not been forgotten as he praised local authorities and insurance firms for the work they had done.

But he also said the remaining affected householders were becoming frustrated about the pace of repairs to their homes.

He said: "A huge amount has been achieved in terms of getting communities back on their feet and the insurance industry has played a big part in this.

"In particular I congratulate local authorities and housing associations for their efforts in getting their tenants back home.

"The fact remains that far too many households are still in temporary accommodation and unable to return home.

"People are frustrated and are asking why. They want to know how it can take so long to dry out and get repairs and insurance sorted out on their homes.

"So I urge councils and the insurance industry to step up the pace of progress over the coming weeks and months."

Mr Healey said he put his continuing concerns to the Director General of the Association of British Insurers last week and will be meeting with top executives from the main insurance companies early next month.