Title

ENVIRONMENT

Emergency Bellwin scheme activated in response to flooding

Councils will be able to apply to be reimbursed for costs incurred as part of their response to the heavy rainfall that has hit in recent days.

Councils will be able to apply to be reimbursed for costs incurred as part of their response to the heavy rainfall that has hit in recent days.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government activated the Bellwin scheme, which provides financial assistance to help councils deal with the aftermath of emergencies.

Under the scheme, local authorities dealing with the flooding can apply to have 100% of the eligible costs they incur - above a threshold - reimbursed by the Government.

The money can be used to pay for items including rest centres, temporary accommodation and staff overtime.

Heavy rainfall resulted in 400 homes flooded in Doncaster and 1,200 properties were evacuated.

Five severe flood warnings, which means there is a significant risk to life, and 29 flood warnings remained in place today.

ENVIRONMENT

Levelling the paying field

By Martin Ford | 17 September 2025

With a host of newly-minted unitaries set to spring up around England in the coming months and years, Martin Ford looks at the thorny issue of pay harmonisation

ENVIRONMENT

Cash flow warning over council tax change

By Joe Lepper | 15 September 2025

Plans to switch council tax billing from 10 to 12-month instalments could leave local authorities with cash flow problems, experts have warned.

ENVIRONMENT

Engage, design, deliver: how collaboration can boost a community's prospects

By Ross Aitchison | 02 September 2025

With a collectively minded approach to engagement and design, aspirational place policies can deliver the framework for real and lasting change for our neigh...

ENVIRONMENT

MPs: Funding and powers needed to stop bus service decline

By Joe Lepper | 13 August 2025

Councils should be handed more funding and powers to halt a decline in bus services, MPs have told ministers.

Popular articles by William Eichler