EU flood funding application confirmed by UK government

5.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 12th Aug 2007

John Healey, the Minister charged with managing the flood recovery, has announced that the Government will approach the European Commission for support from the European Union Solidarity Fund. The fund was established in 2002 in response to the floods that hit Central Europe and is available to any member state that suffers a major natural disaster. The Government has already promised £46 million to aid short-term recovery and any EU funds would become available in 9 - 12 months time. The Government is currently assessing the cost of the June-July floods, which must exceed £2.2bn in order to qualify under EUSF criteria. The money must be spent within a year of receipt on infrastructure repair and covering the costs of emergency services.