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NEWS that an EU grant for flooded regions will only be a third of what was previously expected has been branded a bitter disappointment by a Worcestershire MP and flood campaigners.

Earlier this year, the European Commission approved a payment of £110 million for the UK from the European Union Solidarity fund - recovery money earmarked for countries hit by disaster.

However, in reality, the UK will only receive £31 million because the figure has been adjusted to account for an ongoing agreement between the Government and the EU.

Under the agreement, set up in the 1980s, the UK receives a rebate from the money it pays out to Europe which affects how much it is entitled to from the fund.

Local authorities, police authorities and fire and rescue authorities will now be invited to bid for a share of the cash.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, whose constituents were affected by last year's flooding, said: "When we think about how thinly this money has to be spread, not just in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire but in the north of England, it's a bitterly disappointing outcome. Though every penny will help hard-pressed authorities like Worcestershire I really hoped for more."

Worcester's Mary Dhonau, chief executive of the National Flood Forum, said: "It is incredibly disappointing that bureaucracy has got in the way of helping ailing local authorities.

"They are left dealing with the knock-on effects and it is probably the taxpayers who are going to pick up the bill."

However, there was relief in some quarters that the money would be available.

Mike Weaver, director of financial services at the county council, said: "We had no basis on which to make a judgement about whether we'd get any of the original estimate so I'm just pleased we've got a chance to bid for the sum that's available." Worcester MP Mike Foster said: "I still think there's scope for Worcestershire to get access to the money from the EU to help us overcome the difficulties."

He promised to support the county council's bid.

A spokeswoman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said the authority would be looking at the scheme soon.

No one was available at West Mercia Police Authority when your Worcester News went to press.

7:49am Friday 9th May 2008

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