Floods have dominated the agenda for many councils over the last few weeks. In Oxfordshire, we have been relatively fortunate, with fewer widescale problems than in 2007, but that doesn't mean we have been unscathed.

At times like this, differences between counties and districts get set aside as we all pull together with our colleagues from the blue-light services, to help people as best we can in the face of often unprecedented climatic conditions.

Staff work long hours, uncomplainingly, as their sense of public duty comes to the
fore.

What I have noticed is a subtle shift in public attitudes. Go back 10 years and the public tended to hold the council responsible for any problems created by flooding.

I see less of that now, with a greater recognition that there is only so much that we can do.

When water is rising out of the ground in places where it never has previously, even the most ardent critics of councils tend to accept that there is not much we can do.

I think publicity campaigns have helped in clarifying what we will and will not do and who is responsible for what. But I also think that the public generally recognises that climate change is a reality and extreme weather conditions are something that we have to learn to live with.

Of course, responding to floods costs money.  It is heartening to hear Brandon Lewis say: ‘We are determined to support those councils on the front line working hard to protect their communities and ensure local authorities have the confidence to provide the help needed in the knowledge that funds are available to meet costs'.

One of the key tasks for the District Councils' Network over the coming months will be to ensure that the Government keeps its promise.

When finances are tight responding to a major flooding event can put great strain on district councils' financial resources.

Let us hope that when the claims go in, we do not see a lot of penny-pinching from the centre, trying to wriggle out of the commitment made by the minister.

David Buckle is chairman of the District Chief Executives' Network