COUNCILLORS will have to dig deep to help Calderdale’s flood victims.

It has been revealed council reserves will be used to help flood victims get back on their feet.

Calderdale’s Cabinet members will be told that most of the £2.6 million needed to cover costs of the flooding will have to be met from its own resources after Government funding is limited to about £100,000.

Clr Tim Swift, leader of the council, says that due to budget pressures from the weakened economy and social care there’s no extra money, so the authority will have to dip into its reserves, which stand at around £5m.

Clr Swift said the budget pressure was in addition to the council having to make £70m savings over the next few years.

He added: "We are continuing to handle this effectively, in the face of major pressures such as the growing number of people who need help and support, and sudden fluctuations in the number of looked after children.

"Whilst we have applied to the Government’s Bellwin Scheme for help with the costs caused by the summer flooding, it is disappointing to note that we are likely to receive less than £100,000, and that the bulk of the costs will have to be met from the local Council budget.

"We will continue to make representations to the Government over this issue."

The flooding during the summer hits towns and villages from Todmorden to Brighouse, affecting 900 households and 250 businesses.

Later this month, on Monday, November 12, the Cabinet will discuss the budget pressures in more detail.

They will debate issues including revenue-generating schemes and how it manages and uses its land and buildings to make savings.