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ENVIRONMENT

Emergency Bellwin scheme activated in response to flooding

Councils will be able to apply to be reimbursed for costs incurred as part of their response to the heavy rainfall that has hit in recent days.

Councils will be able to apply to be reimbursed for costs incurred as part of their response to the heavy rainfall that has hit in recent days.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government activated the Bellwin scheme, which provides financial assistance to help councils deal with the aftermath of emergencies.

Under the scheme, local authorities dealing with the flooding can apply to have 100% of the eligible costs they incur - above a threshold - reimbursed by the Government.

The money can be used to pay for items including rest centres, temporary accommodation and staff overtime.

Heavy rainfall resulted in 400 homes flooded in Doncaster and 1,200 properties were evacuated.

Five severe flood warnings, which means there is a significant risk to life, and 29 flood warnings remained in place today.

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