Leader of Cumbria County Council Stewart Young, Leader of the Opposition James Airey and council Chief Executive Diane Wood held meetings with Ministers in London to discuss the funding needed to repair damage caused by December’s floods.
The Cumbria representatives met first with Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and then with Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Andrew Jones. The meetings were facilitated by Minister for Floods and local MP Rory Stewart, who also attended both discussions.
Stuart Young said “The council is working hard to assemble a funding package which will enable all the flood damage to be repaired. This is a cross-party effort and the council will be contributing as much as it can from its own resources. But we will need a substantial contribution from Government, on top of what has already been announced. The talks yesterday were constructive, are continuing, and we are pushing for an early decision.”
James Airey said “ Cumbria’s two main Political Groups are working together to ensure the necessary funding is released as soon as possible by Government to allow us to continue with our flood recovery programme. It is essential for our residents and businesses that this work is completed as soon as possible. It was made clear by Ministers that Cumbria would receive the financial support it needed. I am happy to work alongside our Labour Councillors on this important issue, Cumbria needs strong Leadership not petty Party Politics”