The European Commission has approved an application by local government minister, John Healey, for £115m flood relief. Money from the EU's Solidarity Fund will help offset the damage caused by the floods in the summer. ‘Today's decision proposing to mobilise the Solidarity Fund is a practical way of demonstrating how the EU can help people hit by severe floods in the UK,' said regional policy commissioner, Danuta Hubner. Mr Healey has held a meeting with councils and the insurance industry to look at ways of helping households affected by the floods. An action plan was drawn up at the meeting to improve communications with displaced households and hold more community events to bring people together. Councils have also pledged to contact those still living temporarily in caravans to see what additional help they might need. ‘I have seen for myself in my regular visits to flood-hit areas the impact they are having on communities and families,' said Mr Healey. ‘And particularly those having to live in temporary accommodation.'
