Conservative Delays Could Cost Cumbria Millions

Delays by the Conservative government in applying for European flood relief money could mean Cumbria loses out on millions, South Lakes MP Tim Farron has warned today.

In response to a parliamentary question by Tim, it was revealed that the government has still not completed its application and submitted a final cost estimate of the floods to the EU.

It is estimated that the UK could be in line to receive up to £125million of flood relief funds following the damage caused by Storm Desmond last winter. Ten percent of this money would have been available immediately, and the rest within six months of applying.

However, with the UK's future relationship with the EU now uncertain, the status of the government's application is unclear.

Tim said: "As soon as the floods first hit I repeatedly urged the government to submit an application for EU flood relief funds. Instead, the government left it until the very last minute before starting an application, which it has still not finalised.

"If the government had got on with this, flood-hit areas would already have received millions of pounds. Instead, delays by the Conservative government mean that our area could end up missing out completely. With roads and bridges still to be fixed across South Lakeland, it is clear that this funding is badly needed."