Storm Desmond flood appeals - government doubles support
Government is to match donations, up to £2 million in total, to local flood appeals across the North of England.
This news item is not being updated. Read Winter flooding 2015: community support for current information.
On Wednesday (9 December 2015), the Chancellor announced that the government would match funds raised by the Cumbria Foundation’s Flood Appeal, up to £1 million.
Today (11 December 2015) the Chancellor has extended his pledge to leading local flood appeals across all affected areas and doubled the amount of matched support available to a total of £2 million.
Following the unprecedented rainfall over the last week, community appeals have been set up in the North of England. Over £500,000 has been raised already.
These include the Community Foundation for Lancashire’s Flood Recovery Fund’s Appeal, which launched on Tuesday to support the communities directly affected by the floods.
The funds are expected to contribute to clean-up costs, emergency repairs, clothing, food and drink, heating and heating equipment, childcare equipment and basic furniture.
On Wednesday the Chancellor announced an additional commitment of up to £51 million to support households and businesses affected by last weekend’s devastating floods. This took total support pledged by the government to over £60 million.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said:
The government is determined to stand by the communities affected by these devastating floods. That is why I am today doubling our pledge to match the money raised by local flood appeals to up to £2 million.
That’s in addition to the £51 million of support I announced on Wednesday, with £5,000 for every affected household to repair and renew and £2,500 for every business.
The great work also being done by local charities will help communities get back on their feet, and we’ll play our part in that too.