Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what dedicated funding streams are accessible to local authorities facing sudden, unbudgeted civil emergency response costs.

Local authorities are expected to maintain appropriate contingency arrangements to manage unforeseen pressures, including those arising from emergencies. Where an exceptional emergency or disaster gives rise to significant immediate and uninsurable costs, the Government may provide financial support.

Such interventions are considered on a case-by-case basis with the expectation that funding is provided by the department responsible for the relevant emergency. For MHCLG, emergency funding for qualifying incidents is usually routed through the Bellwin Scheme or bespoke section 31 grants.