New Environment Minister has change of heart over flood management funding - McArthur
February 27, 2009 12:01 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Liam McArthur MSP, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson, has welcomed the Scottish Government's U-turn on flood management funding and the review that will now take place.
Despite recent claims by the Scottish Government that the current funding mechanism would remain the same, in a written answer to Liberal Democrat MSP Jeremy Purvis, the new Environment Minister has signalled that the Government may be re-thinking.
Liam McArthur MSPCommenting, Mr McArthur said:
"During the consideration of the Flooding Bill, Ministers were adamant that there could be no return to challenge funding for flood management. Ministers casually informed Parliament that councils had adequate funding in place to deal with any eventuality.
"But evidence given to both the Finance and the Rural Affairs and Environment Committees contradicted this view. The Convenor of the latter is now the new Environment Secretary. Is it possible that the evidence has brought about a change of heart?
"Liberal Democrats have consistently argued that Councils must be given a clear funding mechanism. They must be provided with adequate funding to prevent flood damage but also a mechanism that allows the funds to be allocated as the need arises.
"I welcome the review of the funding mechanism, but find it strange that Ministers have hidden away this sensible change of heart in a response to a Parliamentary question."
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