Cash plea for Morpeth flood victims
Nov 8 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
FLOOD hit North families will not be given Government help before Christmas as they struggle to rebuild their lives. Extra council tax discounts are to be offered to victims of last year’s nationwide flooding.
But in Morpeth the extra discount will not yet be made available.
Families left homeless by the flood will be given some council tax relief, but will not be given any assurance of a longer discount.
More than 1,000 homes and businesses were flooded when torrential rain caused the River Wansbeck to burst its banks on September 6. And last night there were calls for the Government to ensure a long-term support system was in place to help families as they prepare to return home.
Peter Jackson, Conservative leader of Castle Morpeth Council, said the Government had so far not given enough money to help the authority support flood victims.
He said: “We are just a small council, and while we are doing all we can, including our own council tax discounts for families, we are seeing a huge strain on our budget.
“We are asking for Government help and until we see the money coming our way, we are pretty much on our own.
“We will not rest on our laurels and will continue to work with the county council on measures to help families, but Government cash would make a real difference to what we can do.”
The Government has insisted Morpeth is not being overlooked and that Council Minister John Healey is still in close contact with the Northumberland authorities.
Mr Healey yesterday outlined the ongoing support being offered to the flood-hit North East.
In his statement, Mr Healey said: “I remain in close touch with agencies helping those communities hit by the floods in September.
“Recovery work is progressing well with local agencies and charities actively providing support to households and businesses.
“And Government is working closely with the local councils on their applications for financial support through the Bellwin scheme.”
Residents in all 906 affected homes in Morpeth and 58 in Rothbury have been contacted by the local authority and offered help and support, although this is noticeably less than that available in other parts of the country.
Castle Morpeth Council chief executive Ken Dunbar said: “We are already discussing a local council tax discount scheme which will extend the period of discount and will also be considering discounts for partial occupancy.”
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