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UK to receive £120m EU flood aid UK to receive £120m EU flood aid
(about 9 hours later)
The UK is to receive about £120m from the EU to help repair damage caused by heavy floods in England last summer, it is expected to be confirmed later. The UK is to receive about £120m from the EU to help repair damage caused by heavy floods in England last summer, the European Parliament has confirmed.
The UK applied for money from the EU Solidarity Fund, to cover costs like rescue services and temporary housing.The UK applied for money from the EU Solidarity Fund, to cover costs like rescue services and temporary housing.
The rules stipulate it must be spent by public bodies such as local authorities or ambulance trusts.The rules stipulate it must be spent by public bodies such as local authorities or ambulance trusts.
About 48,000 homes and 7,000 businesses were flooded in south-west England, the Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside.About 48,000 homes and 7,000 businesses were flooded in south-west England, the Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside.
The floods were also linked to the deaths of 13 people.The floods were also linked to the deaths of 13 people.
Last month local government minster John Healey confirmed that thousands of families had still been unable to return home, more than six months later.Last month local government minster John Healey confirmed that thousands of families had still been unable to return home, more than six months later.
Insurance claims have topped £3bn. Councils in those areas have already received more than £18.4m in "recovery grants" so far.Insurance claims have topped £3bn. Councils in those areas have already received more than £18.4m in "recovery grants" so far.
12-month deadline12-month deadline
The European Commission has already recommended that the money be given to the UK. The European Commission recommended giving money to the UK.
If a vote by MEPs later approves the payout and the money is transferred to the Treasury, it will be the UK's first successful application to the EU Solidarity Fund, which was set up in 2002. MEPs have now approved the payout and the money is to be transferred to the Treasury. It is the UK's first successful application to the EU Solidarity Fund, which was set up in 2002.
Danuta Hubner, the European commissioner for regional policy, said the money would help put "basic infrastructure back in working order".Danuta Hubner, the European commissioner for regional policy, said the money would help put "basic infrastructure back in working order".
But it will not go towards costs borne by insurers - such as costs of damaged homes and cars.But it will not go towards costs borne by insurers - such as costs of damaged homes and cars.
Instead it will go towards reimbursing costs for things like emergency repairs to gas, water, electricity services and phone lines and general cleaning up. It must be spent within 12 months and will have to be accounted for in detail.Instead it will go towards reimbursing costs for things like emergency repairs to gas, water, electricity services and phone lines and general cleaning up. It must be spent within 12 months and will have to be accounted for in detail.
Once the money is received, a consultation process will begin, to decide the best way to allocate the funding.Once the money is received, a consultation process will begin, to decide the best way to allocate the funding.
The Local Government Association, which represents councils, says it expects a lot of interest from its members for a share of the money.The Local Government Association, which represents councils, says it expects a lot of interest from its members for a share of the money.