§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide financial assistance to Shepway district council under the Bellwin scheme for the costs incurred in dealing with the extensive flooding in Folkestone on 12 August. [41282]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI am satisfied that financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme is justified given the exceptional nature of the floods in Folkestone on 12 August. A scheme will, therefore, be established under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act1076W 1989. Grant will be paid to cover 85 per cent. of eligible costs which are above a threshold and which have been incurred by Shepway district council in dealing with those floods.