15 February 2008
Communities minister John Healey has promised £1.6m of extra funding to help six areas badly hit by last summer's floods.
Healey announced on February 12 that Gloucestershire police – which dealt with the worst of the flooding – would receive £955,420 under the Bellwin scheme to cover the costs of flooding.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, North Lincolnshire Council, East Lindsey and Stratford-on-Avon district councils and Worcester City Council were the other beneficiaries.
Healey said: 'Last summer we saw the worst floods in this country for over a century. We made it easier to claim back additional costs from the government and we also said we are ready to make interim payments.
'But I am aware that while the flood waters may have receded, there is still a long way to go. More government support will be available.'
Healey's announcement follows the launch last week of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' new water strategy for England, to mitigate the impact of climate change.
The measures will include an attempt to reduce individual daily consumption from 150 to 120 litres by 2030 using technology, metering and tariffs. Homeowners will also be banned from asphalting their front gardens.
An independent review of water charging was also announced, which could lead to water meters in homes in the most drought-hit parts of England by 2030 .
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: 'Securing and maintaining water supplies is vital to the prosperity of the country and to the health of people and the environment. In some areas, current supplies are already unsustainable.'
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