Author Archives: HM Government

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed that a government emergency scheme – the Bellwin scheme – will be activated to support the immediate response operation following the horrific incident at Grenfell Tower in London.

Under the scheme, financial assistance is available to local authorities to help with immediate costs following a disaster or emergency in their area that involves danger to life or property. They can apply to have 100% of their eligible costs above a threshold reimbursed.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said:

First and foremost my thoughts are with the residents and families of those affected by the horrific incident at Grenfell Tower. Emergency services and the local community have been tremendous in their response.

As the Prime Minister has been clear, the Government stands ready to help in anyway possible. We’re determined to stand squarely behind the affected communities.

Funding through the Bellwin scheme will help councils support the community to get back on their feet.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, said:

We are all deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy and are determined that all necessary support will be there for victims and their families.

That is why we have made emergency funding available so the local council can provide much-needed services to everybody affected.

Housing Minister Alok Sharma also confirmed today that working with Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the Government will guarantee that every single family from Grenfell Tower will be rehoused in the local area.

Background

The Bellwin scheme compensates authorities for the exceptional costs incurred in incidents such as flooding. Relevant authorities are eligible for costs under Bellwin when they have spent more than 0.2% of their calculated annual revenue budgets on emergency works.

Eligible authorities include:

• councils
• police authorities
• fire and rescue authorities
• national park authorities

The scheme provides emergency financial assistance to local authorities under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The scheme is named after former Department of the Environment Minister Lord Bellwin.

The Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt has today (15 June 2017) announced a second wave of funding to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments ahead of next winter.

The Secretary of State will confirm that a further £20.74 million has been awarded to 27 hospitals in England, which follows an initial £55.98 million given to 70 hospitals in April. This money is part of the dedicated funding announced in the Spring Budget to ensure local A&Es are prepared for the additional demands that winter brings.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said:

The NHS prepares well in advance for winter each year, but despite the hard work and dedication of staff, demand on services continues to increase as a result of our ageing population.

This vital investment will help hospitals change the way they assess and see patients so people are given the most appropriate medical care as quickly as possible.

The funding will be used to help hospitals properly equip themselves ahead of winter, particularly to handle the large volumes of patients attending A&E.

Hospitals will be able to ‘stream’ patients when they arrive in A&E, with a clinician assessing their needs and deciding where they can receive the most appropriate care.

It will also allow hospitals to build GP practices within their A&E units where patients with less urgent needs can receive treatment, further alleviating pressure.

Today’s funding will also support wider plans set out by NHS England to improve A&E performance in England by 2018. In particular, it will help hospitals hit the target of admitting, transferring or discharging 95% of patients within 4 hours.

List of agreed proposals

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