§ Mr. LilleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will provide financial assistance to North Hertfordshire district council 101W under the Bellwin Scheme in respect of costs incurred following the severe flooding in the village of Kimpton on 24 and 25 February. [4973]
§ Mr. RaynsfordI am satisfied that financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme is justified in the case of North Hertfordshire district council, given the exceptional nature of flooding. A scheme will, therefore be established under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Grant will be paid to cover 100 per cent. of the eligible costs above a threshold, which the authority has incurred in dealing with the flooding.