Farron Calls For Flooding Action From Government

Tim Farron MP has today outlined a seven-point plan which he is calling on the government to put into action to support flood victims in South Lakeland.

Since the floods hit, Tim has travelled extensively across the constituency, visiting residents and businesses who were hit by the floods. Tim has described the situation as an emergency, and has called on the government to provide an "ambitious and compassionate response".

Having witnessed the damage caused and spoken to local people, Tim has outlined a seven-point plan which he is calling on the government to implement immediately in order to provide relief. Tim's seven-point plan to help South Lakeland recover is as follows:

1. We need to know, and we need to know now, a date for the reopening of the A591. This is a vital road through the heart of the Lake District and residents and businesses need some certainty to be able to plan (and obviously for the road to be open as soon as humanly possible) - and all of this will need Government help.
2. The Government's pledge of £50 million is welcome, but the cost to Cumbria will be £500 million. Our government must agree, now, to significantly increase its support for our county. And it should draw down 'free' money from Europe by making a claim for £12.5 million from the EU solidarity fund today.
3. The first £500 grants to residents who were flooded have now been paid by the council, but Government grants to help flood-proof properties for the future should be provided up front now, when people need them, not in many weeks' time.
4. Cumbria Tourism's request for funds to support businesses and for a massive marketing campaign must be met immediately.
5. Cumbria's already overstretched mental health and social services providers need a very large resource boost so that we can support the increasing numbers of people who are in need.
6. Government must now agree to fully fund flood prevention work on the river Kent, which they have been stalling on.
7. Government must act to help insurers provide affordable insurance to those who have been affected through the Flood Re scheme - and they shouldn't exempt properties built after 2009 as they are currently planning to.

Tim said: "The reaction of local residents and businesses to the recent flooding has been truly inspiring, demonstrating impressive grit and resilience.

"Nonetheless, it is clear that much still remains to do. To that end, I have today outlined a list of seven actions which the government should implement immediately to help South Lakeland recover."