Flooding Update: Environment Secretary promises more help and funding for York
December 30, 2015
Julian today met with the Environment Secretary to discuss what can be done to help local residents and businesses in the aftermath of the floods.
The Environment Secretary, Liz Truss, confirmed that over £2 million of funding had already been earmarked to upgrade the Foss Barrier and her department would look into Mr Sturdy’s request for making additional funding available for further improvements. The final flood package for York was also discussed, as was the need to provide extra support for residents and businesses who have been forced to vacate their homes and properties.
Following the meeting Julian said “The Environment Secretary has assured me that more funding will be made available to help get York residents and businesses back on their feet as quickly as possible. The Prime Minister has also said that York will receive additional funds to make sure our city and surrounding villages are better protected from flooding in the future.”
“With the clean-up operation now underway, it is essential that we continue to help those most in need and it has been fantastic that everyone has rallied together at this difficult time. I cannot praise enough the hard work of our volunteers, armed forces, and emergency services who have been working hard to help people across York and the surrounding rural communities.”
The Government announced yesterday that £50 million of extra funding will be made available immediately to York and other areas affected by the flooding. The total funding, which now stands at £100 million, has been streamlined to ensure that it can be used as quickly as possible.
The additional funding will provide the City of York Council will extra resources to fund temporary accommodation costs whilst families move back into their homes. Grants of up to £5,000 will also be provided to make homes and businesses in York more flood resilient against any future flooding.
Pictured: Julian with Environment Secretary Liz Truss MP
