Published: 17th December 2008
Summary
Floods Recovery Minister John Healey has today announced that two councils affected by the floods in September will benefit from an enhanced package of financial support from Government.
The Bellwin Scheme covers the uninsurable costs incurred by local authorities during immediate action to safeguard residents and property, or prevent suffering as a result of a disaster or emergency.
The standard terms of the scheme are that councils can apply for funding for up to 85 per cent of eligible costs above the threshold that they incur in the two months after an incident.
But for Castle Morpeth Borough Council and Shropshire County Council, the areas worst affected by the September floods, the time period that claims can cover will be extended to four months - with a further extension being considered in the New Year.
Today's announcement comes as the Government publishes its comprehensive response to the Pitt Review of the Summer 2007 floods - including plans for a new national flood forecasting centre, to improve the country's ability to predict and respond to flooding.
And in the next few days, Castle Morpeth Borough Council will receive its first payment under the Bellwin scheme, of over £200,000.
A claim for funding from Shropshire County Council is also being processed.
Floods Recovery Minister John Healey said:
"I visited Morpeth in the aftermath of the floods to see for myself the damage caused and how the local recovery operation was progressing. I have remained in contact with all of the affected areas and have been impressed at the efforts that have been made to get those communities back to normal.
"To support these efforts, I am extending the terms of the Bellwin Scheme for Castle Morpeth and Shropshire, so they can claim 85 per cent of the costs above the threshold they incurred in the first four months after the floods hit - rather than the usual two-month eligible period.
"Today's response by the Government to Sir Michael Pitt's report, and the enhanced terms of the Bellwin Scheme for Castle Morpeth and Shropshire, show that we have learned the lessons of the 2007 floods and will continue to support these communities as they get back on their feet."
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