§ Mr. DjanoglyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what provision there is to provide support to(a) home owners, (b) farmers and (c) businesses whose properties have been, or may in the future be, subject to flooding in the Huntingdon constituency. [74223]
§ Mr. MorleyFlooding is a natural phenomenon and whilst it is not possible to eliminate the risk totally, the flood and coastal defence operating authorities have permissive powers to reduce that risk. It has been the policy of successive Governments not to pay compensation to those affected by flooding as it is generally an insurable risk. However, we may be able to assist in reducing Government requirements on those affected, for example by relaxing the eligibility rules for agricultural support schemes or by considering estimation of VAT liabilities where floods have damaged paperwork. Businesses in need of this type of926W help should contact the relevant department if the need arises. Assistance to householders affected by flooding is provided by local authorities in the immediate aftermath of flooding, and in the case of serious hardship help may be available from the Social Fund.