Government Passing Cost of Floods On To Flood Victims - Farron

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron used his speech in response to the budget today to criticise the way the government has dealt with the aftermath of the floods.

Tim has long called for investment in flood defence schemes, but highlighted that Osborne's announced investment came at a cost to local people. In his speech in the House of Commons, Tim said: "Not only are flood-hit communities like mine left desperately holding out our hands for urgent support, he is asking flood victims to pay through their premiums for the defences that he should already have built in the first place - actions speak louder than words."

In his speech, Tim also pointed out that there was "no mention at all of fully funding any one of the flood defence schemes that were mentioned in the Chancellor's speech".

Tim also focused on the cost of restoring Cumbria's infrastructure, estimated to be £500m, and criticised the government's minimal contribution, with only £2m having been received thus far.

Tim highlighted in particular the government's response to the A591 closure. He said: "The main road that connects the whole of the Lake District is still closed, never mind the fact that it is costing businesses across the Lake District 1m per day all the time the A591 is shut. The government cares little about the North - it will make grand announcements, it will achieve nothing."