Richard has written to Local Government minister John Healey following reports that the Treasury have apparently opted to keep £80million of the flood money in an effort to minimise any reduction Britain will receive from next year's EU rebate.
Richard Corbett said: "I am deeply disappointed that the Treasury has decided to keep such a huge chunk of the flood money, money which should have been destined for the villages, towns and cities so badly affected by last year's floods. It is highly regrettable that so much of the money will be used to help balance the Treasury's books at the expense of hard-hit flood victims."
He added: "I also imagine the other EU countries which have contributed to the solidarity fund will be miffed that so much of the money is resting in Treasury coffers rather than being used to help the areas that need the money."
- For a detailed explanation for why so much of the flood money is being kept by the Treasury please click here to see the letter from Richard Corbett to Local Government Minister John Healey
- Each EU member state contributes to the EU Solidarity Fund which is granted to country's adversely affected by natural disasters such as last year's floods. The money should be used to rebuild essential services and pay for the emergency operation in the immediate aftermath of an incident
more information
Press enquiries: Contact Luke Thorne, Press and Communications Officer to Richard Corbett MEP
- phone 0113 245 8987
- e-mail luke@richardcorbett.org.uk
© 2003-2006 Richard Corbett MEP