The European Union Solidarity Fund is governed by strict rules which are designed to ensure that it is used only to compensate public bodies – mainly national but also local government – for the costs they incur during a major emergency. It is not and never has been available to compensate individuals.

What do you think? Post your comments below.

The UK 'abatement' – a unique funding agreement since 1984 – means that two thirds of any extra funding we receive from Europe is paid back in increased contributions to the EU budget, and this includes EUSF. The abatement has been an immense benefit to the UK, worth around £55bn since it began. So it is short-sighted to criticise the European Union.

Thanks to the EUSF, Britain will benefit from an extra £31m. But rather than using this to cover the Government's own costs we will distribute it to local government to help those affected by the floods.

It is a significant contribution to the support for those communities devastated by last summer's floods. Taking into account the £88m Government money already provided to flood-affected communities, EUSF now takes the total available to £118m.
John Healey, MP

Your letters.
Today's features.
Latest sport.
Main news index.