Government slammed over lack of financial aid for Northwich floods

Residents in Northwich, Weaverham and Acton Bridge were evacuated from their homes following devastating flooding last month, while dozens of businesses were also affected.

Other parts of Cheshire West were also affected and at the height of the flooding, 244 residential properties and 92 business premises were affected across the borough, with 152 properties flooded and 128 people evacuated.

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, wrote to Government along with borough MPs to lobby for financial aid to support the recovery operation – but now the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has told CWAC it does not qualify for financial aid.

The ministry's response to CWAC said: "At this moment based on data we have on the impacts of Storm Christoph, the picture suggests the numbers of flooded properties suffering internal damage was much lower than expected and below the numbers of properties flooded in previous events."

CWAC has already spent more than £500,000 on the response and recovery from the flood – including finding temporary accommodation for those who had to leave their homes.

Businesses affected by the flooding have also been able to access a special contingency fund organised by the council and the local enterprise partnership.

Now, the council has committed a further £250,000 from its budget to support schemes which will help the borough recover from Storm Christoph, but Cllr Gittins is frustrated by the Government's decision not to provide financial aid.

Cllr Louise Gittins

She said: “It is disappointing news that the recent flooding events in the borough do not meet the criteria for extra government help. We will continue to lobby the Government about this.

“The council and its partners have worked hard behind the scenes in the best interests of our community and we will continue to do so.

“Whilst the council continues to face unprecedented pressures on its finances, we will provide what extra help we can.

"We will continue to listen to those who have suffered as a result of the flooding and we will do all we can to help."

Mike Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, has echoed the council's concerns and believes Northwich is being left to 'fend for itself'.

Investigations into the flood are ongoing but initial reports were than the flood defences worked while the town's drainage system became overwhelmed – and Mr Amesbury is urging ministers to act now to prevent a repeat flooding event.

Mike Amesbury MP

He said: "I am angry this uncaring Government has decided not to release funds through its Flood Recovery Framework despite intense lobbying from local politicians including myself.

“Government needs to play its part to immediately help local residents and businesses while providing investment for more effective drainage systems. I don’t want us to be in this position again in future.

“If more flood protection measures are necessary then we must demand Government takes the lead using the full resources of the state.

"Ministers need to understand that ‘invest to save’ is the wisest course given extreme climate events are unfortunately here to stay.”

CWAC and the LEP have also announced a £100,000 emergency fund to support flood-ravaged Northwich businesses.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “While the impact of any flooding is undoubtedly devastating to a community, the reported impacts from Storm Christoph have not so far reached the level to activate the Flooding Recovery Framework. 

"We continue to monitor the situation and are happy to consider council requests for financial support if needed.

"The decision to trigger financial support under the framework is taken collectively by ministers in the event of a severe weather event with significant wide area impacts.

"In reaching a decision, ministers consider factors such as severity, duration and extent of the impacts."