§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what resources he will make available to Shrewsbury to deal with recent flood damage. [59153]
§ Ms ArmstrongLocal authorities affected by an emergency or disaster, such as severe flooding, can apply to my Department for special financial assistance under the Section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (the 'Bellwin scheme'). The scheme is intended to help local authorities deal with the immediate aftermath of such an event in their area or among their inhabitants. Grant is discretionary and is normally paid on qualifying expenditure at 85 per cent. above a threshold. The threshold is related to an authority's Standard Spending Assessment.