The Prime Minister has agreed that Communities Minister John Healey will co-ordinate the Government's contribution to recovery from the recent floods, building on the work of DEFRA, the Environment Agency and others.
John Healey said: "I welcome this responsibility to ensure that the local authorities who are leading the flood recovery efforts receive effective, coordinated support from central government departments and other national and regional bodies. We want to see communities, householders and businesses hit by the floods return to normal as rapidly as possible. I have seen first hand the effects of flooding in my own constituency Rotherham and last week visited homes and businesses who have suffered. I will make sure that central government brings a relentless focus to support the local recovery efforts and ensure that all of those involved play their full part. This will help ensure we move from a fully coordinated emergency response effort to a fully coordinated support for the recovery effort."
Already the Government has issued advice on how individuals can access financial assistance and the Regional Development Agencies in the affected regions are considering what financial support is available to businesses. Yorkshire Forward has announced it is investing up to £1million recovery funding to help businesses in Yorkshire that have been affected by flooding. Advantage West Midlands and East Midlands Development Agency are in consultation with their business sector representatives. Communities and Local Government has been in contact with 10 affected local authorities to give advice and guidance on emergency financial support.
