Minister leaves door open to Storm Gerrit flood funding
North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie today demanded that the Scottish Government provide funding to the victims of Storm Gerrit, as it did after Storm Babet. Questioning finance minister Tom Arthur after being granted a topical question at Holyrood to raise the issue, the MSP was told that a decision on funding had not yet been taken.
Storm Gerrit brought heavy rain and flooding to Fife two weeks ago, and caused the River Eden to burst its banks. Houses and businesses in Cupar were flooded and some residents were evacuated by the emergency services.
Following flooding in Angus caused by Storm Babet in October, the Scottish Government put in place financial support for those whose homes and businesses had been affected, including £1,500 grants for households and £3,000 for businesses. However no such support has been put in place for victims of Storm Gerrit.
Willie Rennie raised the cases of two constituents whose home and business were flooded. Answering Mr Rennie’s question, finance Tom Arthur said that a decision on grants had not yet been taken and the government would continue to engage with affected councils.
Willie Rennie said:
“I saw first-hand the impact that Storm Gerrit had on my constituents. I know that it will be a long and difficult process for many of them to recover and repair the damage.
“For those who were flooded out of their homes just days after Christmas, it was just as traumatic for them as it was for the people of Angus. The Scottish Government decided to give grants following Storm Babet, but they haven’t yet announced support following Storm Gerrit.
“The minister shouldn’t insult my constituents by saying the situation in Angus was exceptional. For anyone with two foot of water flooding their home, it is an exceptional situation and they deserve support.
“I hope that the government listens and provides funding. If the minister isn’t going to provide grants, he should come to Cupar to explain why not to residents who have been flooded out of their homes or whose businesses have been closed.”