Emergency funding scheme for councils to help with weather costs

A snowplough clears the road. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

The Scottish Government said it will consider applications for financial assistance through the Bellwin Scheme after Borders Council requested help.

The discretionary fund is designed to help councils who face an undue financial burden as a result of large-scale emergencies.

It was recently activated in the wake of flooding by Storm Frank at the start of 2017, with millions of pounds given to repair damage in the Borders and Aberdeenshire.

It is now open for applications from all councils impacted by recent severe weather events, or those at risk from flooding as the snow melts.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “We are committed to helping our communities remain resilient and this support will help local councils deal with any immediate and unforeseen costs resulting from the recent heavy snow falls and ongoing cold weather.

“Although we expect to have seen the worst of the severe weather, we’re aware there remains a flooding risk in some areas as the snow melts.

“The Scottish Government has been holding regular meetings of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) to monitor the situation and I would urge people continue to take care and to check for the latest guidance from Police Scotland throughout the day.”

Commenting on the triggering of the Bellwin Scheme to provide financial assistance for councils, Labour Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Communities Monica Lennon said: “This is the right move. The Scottish Government must now work with local councils to ensure local communities have the support they need.

“The pressures on council budgets are well known having faced £1.5 billion of cuts since 2011, so it is no surprise that local authorities are struggling to cope with the extreme weather.

“While it is right that there are funds to address emergency situations such as adverse weather, the lack of finances available to councils is making it harder to deliver everyday services, regardless of the weather – the Scottish Government need to start addressing that as well.”