§ Dr. Jack CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide financial assistance to Copeland Borough Council under the Bellwin Scheme in respect of costs incurred following flooding in the area on 5 November 1999. [116066]
§ Ms Beverley HughesI am satisfied that financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme is justified in the case of Copeland Borough Council given the exceptional nature of the flooding and the damage caused. A scheme will, therefore, be established under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Grant will be paid to the authority to cover 85 per cent. of its eligible costs above a threshold, which have been incurred by the authority in dealing with the flooding.