Last week Brandon Lewis MP, Minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government, visited the area to discuss the local communities hit by floods, including South Ferriby, Keadby and Burringham, following a request by Andrew.
The Minister, who has responsibility for flood recovery, met with Andrew and Cllr Liz Redfern to discuss the action taken following the December tidal surge. He then visited South Ferriby to update the Parish Council.
The Government has already confirmed that it will fully fund Council Tax for flooded properties. Money is also available for residents in the form of a £5,000 Repair and Renewal Grant which is due to start next month.
The Government have also announced a £10m scheme to help businesses in affected areas. This help is for businesses who have flooded or are in affected areas and have suffered significant loss of trade.
Andrew says, "I was really pleased that Brandon took the time to visit and meet with local representatives, including from South Ferriby Parish Council. He was very impressed with the way in which people have responded locally and the action taken by North Lincolnshire Council, which involved the £300 payment per flooded household and availability of a £1,000 interest free loan.
“There is still lots to be done and this was an important opportunity to discuss the funding opportunities being looked at by the Government. We also discussed residents calls for flood sirens and future defence works, with North Lincolnshire Council setting aside £4.8 million for match funding towards future defence improvements. We are now awaiting the recommendations of the updated Humber Strategy, which is due by the end of June this year."
Cllr Liz Redfern says, "Andrew has done a fantastic job in securing a ministerial visit for our area. The Government are really responding to the issues that have arisen since the flooding and as a council we are doing our best to support communities. The special flood budget we created last week will do a great deal to help us to secure further monies and deliver on important flood defence works."
Photo: Cllr Liz Redfern, Brandon Lewis, minister for Communities and Local government, Isle MP Andrew Percy and Mr Holloway.
