Written question asked by Helen Clark (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 March 1999. It was answered by Alan Meale (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 March 1999 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will provide financial assistance to Huntingdonshire District Council under the Bellwin scheme for costs incurred following the severe flooding on the weekend of 9th to 12th April 1998. - Inc fig and ref to section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Answer: Mrs. Brinton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide financial assistance to Huntingdonshire district council under the Bellwin scheme for costs incurred following the severe flooding on the weekend of 9 to 12 April 1998. [79996] Mr. Meale: I am satisfied that financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme is justified in the case of Huntingdonshire District Council given the exceptional nature of the floods and the damage caused. A scheme will, therefore, be established under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Grant will be paid to the authority to cover 85 per cent. of eligible costs above a threshold and which have been incurred by the authority in dealing with the flooding.

Secondary information