Local MP Sheryll Murray has welcomed news of extra funding for the government. Making a number announcements on Friday in a letter the Prime Minister told Sheryll that for those homeowners and businesses which have been affected by flooding, they will provide repair grants of up to £5,000 per house and per business to help people build in better flood protection as they repair their homes and businesses. He has also confirmed that those businesses which have been affected by the floods will get 100 per cent business rate relief for three months and will get an extra three months to pay business taxes they owe.
There has been a review of the Bellwin scheme which gives additional money to local councils in times of an emergency. When Cornwall moved to a unitary authority we lost a lot of our ability to claim this money from the government. I am pleased that David Cameron has announced changes which should mean millions more for Cornwall.
The government has also secured a total commitment in excess of £750 million from the major banks to provide financial support to business and individual customers affected by the floods and there is to be a targeted review of the resilience of the transport network to extreme weather events.
In a statement Sheryll said, “There is still a lot of work to be done and I will continue to push the issues affecting us in South East Cornwall. I am pushing for the government to look at the many people who have been affected indirectly by the floods. There are many who rely on tourism and this has been hit by adverse news reports and infrastructure issues. I am also continually pushing for the details of any help to ensure information gets to those that need it. My office is there to help. Please do give my office a ring on 01579 344428 or email me at sheryll@sheryllmurray.com”.
ENDS
Contact: Sheryll Murray MP 01579 344428
Pictured: Sheryll Murray MP visits storm hit Millendreath on Saturday.