STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
2 July 2007

JOHN HEALEY TO CO-ORDINATE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION TO RECOVERY FROM FLOODS

The Prime Minister has agreed that Local Government Minister John Healey will co-ordinate the Government’s contribution to recovery from the recent floods building on the work of DEFRA, the Environment Agency and others.

John Healey said:

“I welcome this responsibility to ensure that the local authorities who are leading the flood recovery efforts receive effective, co-ordinated support from central government departments and other national and regional bodies.  We want to see communities, householders and businesses hit by the floods return to normal as rapidly as possible.

I have seen first hand the effects of flooding in my own constituency in Rotherham and last week visited homes and businesses who have suffered.

I will make sure that central government brings a relentless focus to support the local recovery efforts and ensure that all of those involved play their full part.

This will help ensure we move from a fully co-ordinated emergency response effort to a fully co-ordinated support for the recovery effort."

Already the Government has issued advice on how individuals can access financial assistance and, working with the Association of British Insurers, we have ensured that information on insurance issues is distributed for both local authorities and individuals affected by flooding.

The Regional Development Agencies in the affected regions are considering what financial support is available to businesses.  Yorkshire Forward has announced it is investing up to £1million recovery funding to help businesses in Yorkshire that have been affected by flooding.  Advantage West Midlands and East Midlands Development Agency are in consultation with their business sector representatives.

The Department for Communities and Local Government has been in contact with 10 affected local authorities to give advice and guidance on emergency financial support through the Bellwin Scheme.

John Healey will be visiting Lichfield tomorrow and further visits to other affected areas in Yorkshire and the Humber are expected later this week.

John Healey is calling the first cross Government meeting on recovery on Wednesday.

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For more information please contact Joanne Wilson, Constituency Office of John Healey MP, Tel - 01709 512463 or email - wilsonjo@parliament.uk