Following the Government’s decision to refuse financial assistance to Bedford Borough Council for the costs incurred in safeguarding residents after last year’s tragic Cleat Hill explosion, Richard has written to the Minister to request a full explanation for the Government's decision.
In the aftermath of the explosion, more than forty families were evacuated and placed in temporary accommodation for several weeks, with Bedford Borough Council covering the full cost until the area was declared safe for residents to return.
The Council subsequently submitted an application under the Bellwin Scheme in an effort to recover this expenditure. The scheme is intended to provide financial assistance to local authorities that take immediate action to protect life or property during emergencies involving destruction or significant danger. Decisions on eligibility are made at the discretion of Ministers, and further details about the scheme can be found here.
Richard’s latest correspondence follows an earlier letter sent to the Secretary of State in October requesting an update on the application decision. In his letter, Richard asks for clarity on how the Government's decision is reconciled with the principles of the Bellwin Scheme and what remaining discretion the Government has to provide some recompense to the Council for the considerable expense it incurred in the aftermath of the tragedy. The full letter can be found here.
Richard Fuller MP said:
It is astonishing that the Government has determined that the Cleat Hill tragedy fails to qualify for support under the Bellwin Scheme. I look forward to receiving the Government’s explanation for this, and I hope to meet with the Minister in the New Year to discuss the issue further and to continue pressing for support for the Council.
More information about the incident can be found at Richard's website: https://www.richardfuller.co.uk/campaigns/cleat-hill
