South Lakeland MP Tim Farron is calling on the UK government to apply for a grant from the EU's Solidarity Fund to help support communities devastated by flooding in Northern England.
The EU Solidarity Fund, with a budget of up to £359 million a year (500 million euros), was set up to provide financial assistance to EU countries struck by major natural disasters. When the 2007 floods hit, the UK was granted £134 million from the fund.
The EU funding could be used to help cover the costs of clean-up operations, temporary accommodation and rebuilding infrastructure in the wake of Storm Desmond. To benefit from the fund, the government must apply within 10 weeks of when the disaster hit.
Mr. Farron commented: "I've been inspired by the incredible resilience shown by local communities in the wake of these devastating floods and the warmth of spirit and generosity of all those donating money to help the victims.
"Those affected need all the help they can get, which is why I am urging the government to urgently look at applying for European solidarity funding.
"This funding could provide a lifeline for local authorities, helping them pay for clean-up costs and rebuilding vital infrastructure. It would be wrong to turn it down for political reasons."
Meanwhile, The Prince’s Countryside Fund announced today that it is releasing £40,000 from its Emergency Fund to support rural communities, farmers and businesses affected by the wide scale destruction as a result of the unprecedented and devastating flooding affecting large parts of Northern England and Scotland.
Claire Saunders, Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said, “The full impact of the floods has yet to be realised, but many farms have lost livestock drowned in the flood waters, or been affected by landslips, while feed and equipment has been lost. The repairs to bridges, roads and dry stone walls will be an enormous job.
“This is a catastrophic blow to rural businesses which are already hard pressed. Many will be relying on Christmas trade to turn a profit and we need to act swiftly to help them get back on track. We’re urging farms and rural businesses in trouble to ask for help and contact the Farming Help charities and the Cumbria Community Foundation for advice and assistance.”
Mike Still, Chairman of BERG “Flooding causes huge devastation to property, land and the morale of communities, and once flood waters recede and media attention wanes, people still need help to recover. We want to help hard hit rural communities get back on their feet and open for business.”