High Peak Liberal Democrats
The fund in Brussels, which has a budget of up to £414m for 2014, was set up to provide financial assistance to EU countries struck by major natural disasters. The UK has applied before for funding, most recently in 2008, when it received around £128m in aid to help repair damage caused by devastating floods the previous summer. Money from the fund can be used for clear-up work, infrastructure restoration, providing temporary accommodation, and funding rescue services.
However, under EU rules the Government must submit an application for assistance from the fund no more than 10 weeks after the disaster occurred including an impact assessment of how much the damage cost. In a joint letter to Environment Minister Owen Paterson and Flooding Minister Brandon Lewis, Bill Newton Dunn and other Lib Dem MEPs call for urgent action to ensure the UK benefits from the fund.
Commenting, Bill said:
"It is crucial that we do everything we can to help those whose property and livelihoods have been damaged in the devastating recent floods."
"The EU Solidarity Fund is specifically intended to provide assistance for natural disasters like this, and could provide a valuable source of cash to help rebuild people's homes and businesses and fund local clean-up efforts."
"But the clock is ticking - any application for funding has to be received within the next 10 weeks. That is why I have written to the relevant government ministers urging them to make sure this opportunity isn't missed. I will then work hard to ensure that the grant is approved by the European Parliament as quickly as possible."
If an application for money from the European Solidarity Fund is accepted, the European Commission will propose a budget which must then be approved by the European Parliament and national governments in the EU Council.
More information about the European Solidarity Fund can be found here: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/regional_policy/provisions_and_instruments/g24217_en.htm
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