UK Government has Just Four Weeks Left To Claim EU Flood Money - Farron

Flood-hit areas could miss out on millions of pounds, South Lakes MP Tim Farron has warned, as the deadline for applying for EU funding is just four weeks away.

The EU Solidarity Fund exists to help member states who have been hit by major natural disasters, to help rebuild infrastructure and deal with the costs of flood damage.

However, the government must apply to the fund within 12 weeks of the floods first hitting. With the deadline just 4 weeks away, the UK government has still not applied for the money or given any indication that it will do so.

Almost 1700 people have already signed Tim's petition, calling on the government to apply to the fund.

Accountancy firm KPMG has estimated the total cost of the flood damage at £5bn, which means that the UK could be eligible for up to £125 million of funding from the EU Solidarity fund, of which 10% would be made available immediately. In 2007, the UK received £134 million from this fund to help deal with the aftermath of floods.

Tim said: "It is shocking that the government still has not applied for this money. There are now only four weeks to go before the deadline - the government needs to pull its finger out and apply for this money.

"The level of support shown for my campaign calling on the government to apply for this funding demonstrates just how strongly local people feel about this.

"Across Cumbria and other parts of northern England and Scotland, there is still millions of pounds worth of flood damage which needs to be repaired. This money is sorely needed, and there is no excuse for not applying for it.

"The UK is eligible for millions of pounds worth of EU funding, but the government seems more interested in keeping its Eurosceptic backbenchers onside than in securing much-needed funds for flood-hit areas."

To sign Tim's petition calling on the government to apply for EU Solidarity Funding, go to: www.timfarron.co.uk/eufunding