Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2014, Official Report, columns 151-2W, on Bellwin Scheme, which local authorities have made applications for Bellwin funding relating to flooding in winter 2013-14 since 11 June 2014; what amount each such local authority applied for; and what amount has been paid to each such local authority to date.

Bellwin provides emergency financial assistance to local authorities to help them meet uninsurable costs they incur when responding to a major emergency in their area. The level of funding over time is causally linked to the scale of flooding or other emergency. As was the case under previous and current Administrations, it operates by local authorities retrospectively claiming spending back.

As at 7 July, 70 local authorities have submitted formal Bellwin claims. A table has been deposited in the Library of the House listing the reimbursement payments that have been made to date. In the remaining cases, the claims are being prepared for payment or we are waiting for the local authorities to provide supporting information. The deadline for submitting claims was 30 June 2014; claims are being checked and will be paid promptly.