Scottish Government triggers Bellwin Scheme following financial request from Aberdeenshire Council

EXTRA cash to deal with the impact of severe flooding is heading Aberdeenshire Council's way.

Six bridges were washed away or badly damaged following flash flooding on September 28.

Following a request from the council for additional funding to deal with the aftermath of recent floods, Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy Kate Forbes has activated the Bellwin Scheme. This is a mechanism to provide additional revenue to support local authorities with the cost of dealing with emergency incidents.

Ms Forbes said: “The recent flooding in Aberdeenshire caused significant damage, and I know this continues to affect many people and communities across the area.

“The Scottish Government stands ready to assist local authorities in these circumstances.

“I would like to pay tribute to everyone who is working tirelessly to repair the damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure caused by these floods.”

The council is expected to budget 0.2 per cent of its overall annual revenue budget to cover the cost of unexpected incidents. This figure represents the Bellwin Scheme threshold.

If this is exceeded the Scottish Government provides 100 per cent of the additional eligible costs.

Aberdeenshire Council is still assessing the extent of the damage and has four months to submit an interim claim under the Bellwin Scheme.

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