Owen Thompson
Main Page: Owen Thompson (Scottish National Party - Midlothian)
Mr Jones
We are doing significant work to support social care. We have put in place the precept for social care, which has allowed councils to raise up to an additional £2 billion. We have also put in place an additional £1.5 billion for the better care fund, and we are absolutely committed to working with the NHS to make sure that health and social care are integrated properly. Part of that integration involves making sure that the issues the hon. Lady mentions are dealt with properly, and I can assure her that that is happening.
Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP)
6. When the Government began preparing their application to the EU solidarity fund in respect of flooding in December 2015.
Callum McCaig (Aberdeen South) (SNP)
7. When the Government began preparing their application to the EU solidarity fund in respect of flooding in December 2015.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (James Wharton)
Following the devastating impact of Storms Desmond and Eva, the Government quickly made available more than £200 million to the communities affected. As we moved from response to recovery, we began preparation for and an assessment of a bid to the EU solidarity fund in early January.
Owen Thompson
The Government had 12 weeks from 5 December, the first day of flooding, to apply to the EU solidarity fund, yet despite many questions about that, they took until 25 February to confirm to the House that they would apply. Were the Government really so busy fighting with themselves that they held up the process for so long? Why the delay?
James Wharton
The EU solidarity fund is complex, as is the application process. One needs to determine eligibility and damage. The process is still ongoing as we understand, and inform and work with the Commission about, the extent of the damage. We started the work early in January and put in an application within the deadline. We are pursuing that application now.