Floods (Hansard, 8 February 2001)

§ Miss McIntosh
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on reimbursing local authorities for the costs incurred as a result of the floods in November 2000; and if he will make a statement. [148646]

§ Ms Beverley Hughes
Between 13 October 2000 and 5 February 2001, a total of 106 local authorities had notified my Department that they had incurred expenditure for which they would consider making a claim under the Bellwin scheme in connection with the adverse weather events between October and December. Application forms have been sent to all these authorities but to date no formal claims have been received. Only 25 authorities have provided an estimate of incurred costs.

§ Mr. Hancock
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Environment Agency will publish its report on the flooding on 15 September in Portsmouth; and if he will make a statement. [148973]

Mr. Robert Ainsworth
I understand that the Environment Agency will shortly have a draft report on the incident. The timing of its publication will depend on whether it considers any offence was committed under the Water Resources Act 1991. If the agency considers that no offence has been committed, it expects to be able to642W publish shortly. If it considers an offence has been committed, publication will await the outcome of any subsequent action.

§ Miss McIntosh
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the operation of the Bellwin scheme, with specific reference to arrangements for budgeting for(a) floods in November 2000 and (b) future floods. [148951]

§ Ms Beverley Hughes
On 4 November the Deputy Prime Minister announced several changes to the Bellwin scheme for this year in response to the very severe and widespread occurrence of bad weather in October and November. Among these changes, support above the threshold will be increased from 85 per cent. to 100 per cent, and valid claims will be settled within 15 working days of receipt. Arrangements for the future operation of the scheme will be considered in the forthcoming review of the Bellwin scheme by the Department and the Local Government Association.