Councils effected by Storm Desmond to have costs reimbursed

The government has confirmed that councils will be reimbursed for clean up costs following damage caused by Storm Desmond.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark made the announcement amid criticisms of cuts to flood defences after large parts of Cumbria, Lancashire and Northumbria were flooded in the wake of the storm.

The funding will be available through the Bellwin Scheme, which will ensure councils, police, fire and rescue, and National Park authorities that spend more than 0.2 per cent of their calculated annual revenue budgets on clean-up can claim the money back from the government.

Clark said: “The effects of Storm Desmond will be devastating to communities and families whose homes have been flooded – with many suffering this for the second, or even third, time in the last decade.

“We’re determined to stand squarely behind affected communities for the long haul, to help them get back on their feet and into their homes as quickly as possible.

“That’s why today we’re taking the first step on the road to recovery by offering support through the Bellwin scheme so councils starting the clean-up operation can be confident that they will get the support they need.”