Following calls from Sheryll Murray MP, the Government has announced that additional money has been found under the Bellwin Scheme to offset the disadvantage Cornwall faced following its move to a Unitary Authority. The scheme exists to give special financial assistance to local authorities which would otherwise be faced with an undue financial burden as a result of providing relief and carrying out immediate work due to large-scale emergencies -usually storms.
Sheryll explained, “I was never in favour of having a single Council, based in Truro, to look after the needs of the people of South East Cornwall and the effect on this Government emergency funding was one of the many reasons. I have been campaigning for this change on the floor of the House and in meetings elsewhere for a considerable time and I am pleased that changes are being made.”
Sheryll speaking about the flooding damage continued, “The weather truly has had devastating consequences and I would urge anyone who is facing issues to please get in touch with my office. There is no doubt that we must do all we can and I would like to thank all those who have been working in these terrible conditions in particular our emergency services, the Environment Agency and our Council staff.
“I was very saddened to hear about the damage to the Kingsand Institute. I have so many happy memories with both my late husband Neil and his mother Eve. There is so much history, not only with the building itself, but also in the many artefacts inside. I do hope this part of Cornwall, which means so much to so many, is saved.”
“Seaton has been badly hit. The loss of its sea wall, drainage issues and the catastrophic damage to the café means that extra work must be carried out to help this community and area.”
“We have all known Looe to flood before but it is the frequency which seems to have increased and having run the family business in Looe myself I realise how devastating this must be. I will be pushing for a long term solution to be found.
“There have been many others affected. I was concerned to see the damage to the Cremyll Quay but am pleased that boats are still managing to run. I was sorry to hear about the 100 or so trees down in Mount Edgcumbe House and realise this has been a problem right across the constituency. One in particular fell onto an enclosure at the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary in Looe and whilst I am pleased all the monkeys were safe I know that these repairs will be expensive and any help would be appreciated.
“I have also raised the issue of our trains both in the House of Commons and in private meetings with the Transport Minister. I have stressed the urgency of the repairs at Dawlish and also the need for stronger defences so Cornwall cannot be cut off again. I know the cost this is putting on business and will continue to do all I can to ensure the trains are running again as soon as possible.”
ENDS
Contact: Sheryll Murray MP 01579 344428
Pictured: Sheryll Murray MP meeting with Owen Paterson on Monday.
Note to Editors (From Hansard):
26th March 2013 on a debate on Flood Insurance Sheryll Murray said, “Does my hon. Friend agree that under the Bellwin scheme’s rules the fact that Cornwall was changed to a unitary authority from six districts and one county council has disadvantaged Cornwall considerably?”
It was Sheryll Murray MP who asked the Secretary of State directly about the issue of Bellwin in the House of Commons on the 6th January 2014 saying, “My constituency has suffered from two sorts of flooding over this period, and some residents in Calstock and Lower Kelly are almost cut-off because the road collapsed into the river. The council has been really good in working with the local residents, but Cornwall suffers under the Bellwin scheme because a unitary authority was foisted on it by the Labour party, against the wishes of the people of Cornwall. Will my right hon. Friend speak to his colleagues in the Department for Communities and Local Government to see whether something can be done about the disproportionate way in which the Bellwin scheme works against Cornwall?”