Dr. John CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what extra assistance his Department has the power to offer to Copeland borough council and Cumbria county council following the recent severe weather conditions. [14816]
§ Mr. CurryMy right hon. Friend has powers to establish a Bellwin scheme, under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, to provide emergency financial assistance to local authorities. Such schemes are established and resources provided where, as a consequence of an emergency, an authority would otherwise incur an undue financial burden in providing relief and carrying out immediate works to safeguard life or property, or to prevent suffering or severe inconvenience to affected communities.
We have not, to date, received any request from either Copeland borough council or Cumbria county council for support under Bellwin for additional expenditure incurred as a consequence of the recent poor weather conditions. Were we to receive a request, we would, of course, consider it very carefully.