Paul fights for Sheffield on a national stage for quicker and better flood help (Paul Scriven)

Paul fights for Sheffield on a national stage for quicker and better flood help

September 19, 2007 12:00 AM

Paul addresses the national Liberal Democrat Conference

Paul has taken the fight for better flood relief to his party's national conference in Brighton. Paul addressed the national Liberal Democrat conference in a debate on the floods calling for a better deal for Sheffield.

Cllr Scriven highlighted the relatively small amount of money provided to help Sheffield from the Government (£0.5m). He also called for appropriate flood defenses to be fully funded by Government given that last year Gordon Brown cut the flood defense budget for the UK.

Paul believes that Government should re-assess the relief fund to take into account all the extra major work that will need to be carried out by the council. Lib Dems fear that local taxpayers could end up having to foot the majority of the bill for unavoidable repairs due to the floods.

National the Liberal Democrats, agreed to spend an extra £1bn on flood defence measures and also speed up the help and financial support for those suffering from the recent floods.

Paul, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Sheffield Central, said: -

"Its clear that the Government have not supported Sheffield in the long-term aftermath of the floods. If we don't receive anymore funds then it looks like local taxpayers could end up footing the bill for unavoidable extra work the council has to carry out.

Certain areas in Sheffield Central, such as Kelham Island have suffered greatly and need assistance and support now, not photo opportunity for the Government Ministers that have been to Sheffield since the floods

Our local infrastructure was hit badly and the final bill will run into millions. Sheffield deserves a fair deal from Government and extra support must be provided. The council itself must also do more to make sure the financial aid already obtained gets to the homeowners and businesses affected

"The Government must also fully fund the flood defence programme in Sheffield. Local people need to be assured that everything is being done to avoid further floods in so far as possible."

Paul's fight for a fairer deal for Sheffield was covered by the Guardian online

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/libdem2007/story/0,,2173309,00.html