Lord Bassam of Brighton – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the HM Treasury

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 2014-05-07.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government why European Union solidarity funding was not sought to assist with damage caused in the recent floods and cliff falls.

Lord Deighton

EU Solidarity Fund money is available to eligible States suffering from large-scale natural disasters but is subject to a number of eligibility requirements, including on the level of direct damages.

Comparing the recent damage in the UK to the 2007 floods, and following contact with the Commission, the Government’s assessment is that we did not meet these conditions.

However, the Government continues to explore external mechanisms, including through discussions with EU institutions such as the EIB, to support the existing package of UK Government support, which includes £130 million for flood recovery in the South West.