SNP accused of ‘taking credit’ for flooding funding provided by UK Government

Earlier this month Nicola Sturgeon came under fire for what critics claimed was a slow response to the successive storms which devastated large swathes of the country.

The First Minister then visited the North East to unveil a £12 million emergency fund, in addition to £4m previously announced, to help rebuild communities.

At the time it was not clear how much of the relief cash would come from the UK Government but figures released last Friday show Westminster will pay for it all, and provide an extra £2.5m.

Scottish Conservative infrastructure spokesman Alex Johnstone said: “It seems there’s only one government set on fixing the flooding mess, and that’s the UK Government.

“It’s quite remarkable the SNP took credit for this at the time.

“Nicola Sturgeon should come clean on this and give the UK Government the credit it deserves on this.”

Under Scotland’s complex funding system known as the Barnett Formula, the Scottish Government is due a cut of any cash announced by the UK Government for flooding relief south of the Border.

The Treasury has now confirmed it will hand over £3.94m in respect of the flood relief funding for damage caused by Storm Desmond last month, and a further £14.5m as a result of storms Eva and Frank.

Every home, business or charity directly affected by flooding in Scotland will get a £1,500 grant. Any flooded business which has been severely affected can apply for an extra £3,000 grant.

In addition, councils will share £5m to mend key infrastructure, like roads and bridges.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the extra cash will go towards helping flooding victims.

She explained: “We have announced £16m of support so far for flood alleviation but once we see the full demand for the schemes put in place we expect the total cost to be higher than that figure.

“Scottish Government has made available funding to support households and business affected by the recent flooding. This includes ensuring that every household, business premises or charity directly affected by the recent flooding has access to a grant of £1,500.  In addition, local authorities also have discretion to increase that grant if necessary in individual circumstances.

“In addition to flood relief support, businesses whose ability to trade has been severely affected by flooding will be able to apply for an additional grant of £3,000 funded by the Scottish Government and administered by their Local Authority.

“The Scottish Government has also created a fund to renew infrastructure and agricultural flood banks destroyed by flooding.

“The discretionary Bellwin Scheme has also been activated. This allows Ministers to provide extra revenue support to local authorities to help with the immediate and unforeseen costs in dealing with the aftermath of large-scale emergency incidents, including housing of residents and the clean-up operation.”