Government Still Delaying Flood Fund Application - Farron

The government has still not completed its application to the EU Solidarity Fund, a parliamentary answer given to South Lakes MP Tim Farron reveals. This funding could see Cumbria gain millions of pounds following the floods last winter.

The EU Solidarity Fund exists to help EU member states that have been affected by natural disasters, and it is thought that the UK could be in line for up to £125m of funding following the effects of Storm Desmond last winter.

However, a response to a parliamentary question by Tim shows that, although the government has submitted an application, it has not yet completed it and provided the EU with the final figures.

James Wharton MP, a minister in the Department for Communities and Local Government, replied that: "We are in the process of refining our cost estimates and figures and will provide a further update once that process is complete."

Tim said: "It is shocking that the government has still not got round to completing this application. Local people, who have faced such hardship during the floods, deserve better. It seems like the government just isn't interested in getting this done. Every day that goes by without the application being finalised is a day more that our area will have to wait to receive this money.

"South Lakeland is still in urgent need of additional funds to help repair damaged infrastructure and get the area back on its feet, and there can be no justification for the government dragging its feet."