EU FLOOD AID WELCOME BUT MUST COME TO REGION, NOT GOVERNMENT - LIZ LYNNE MEP

11.33.41pm GMT Wed 31st Oct 2007

Local Liberal Democrat Euro MP, Liz Lynne, has welcomed this morning's statement from the European Commission that the UK's bid for support for flood hit areas from the EU Solidarity Fund will be supported. However she urged the government not to use the £100 million pledged simply to reimburse its own spending since the floods.

The Solidarity Fund money is intended to reimburse non-insured losses, such as emergency assistance and public infrastructure costs.

From an early stage after the floods hit the West Midlands, Liz Lynne lobbied the Government to submit a bid to the Commission and requested that the Commission examine it speedily and efficiently.

She said: "This is good news for the region. While there are some still procedural hoops to go through the money, could be available as early as January or February next year.

"Nevertheless, following the government's announcement that £57 million had already been distributed to local councils to help with damage caused by the flooding, we must ensure that the lion's share of this EU aid does not go to refund Gordon Brown's coffers. It should of course go to help the worst affected areas.

"This sum appears to be the second largest payout ever from the Solidarity Fund and should at least reinforce a more positive view in the UK that Europe Union is there to help and provide assistance when needed."