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

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to meet the excess costs of flood repair and renewal in Cumbria centrally, and if not, why not.

The Government is working closely with Cumbria, and other local authorities, who have been affected by Storms Desmond and Eva. We have pledged around £200 million to help those affected by the floods to support the recovery and repair of local communities. To date the Department for Communities and Local Government has issued £18 million to Cumbria through the Community and Business Recovery Scheme, Council Tax Discount Scheme and Business Rate Relief Scheme. Other Departments are also providing financial assistance.