Calderdale Council leader Tim Swift has slammed David Cameron’s “southern-obsessed” government for ignoring the impact of flooding in the north, whilst they continue to offer extra help to Somerset and councils in the south.

His attack came following news that the Government have given another £20m to Somerset County Council for work to roads affected by the winter flooding.

He said appeals for more help for Calderdale, which was badly hit by floods in 2012, were repeatedly ignored.

Clr Swift said: “No one begrudges the help being given to Somerset. It’s right that the Government recognises that in exceptional circumstances, councils cannot carry the whole burden themselves – particularly when their funding has been cut savagely.

“But it is totally wrong that the help being offered to Somerset and other southern councils now was not offered to Calderdale and other Yorkshire councils in 2012.

“Whilst we see millions going to highway improvements, extra help for councils and grants for homes and businesses in the south, we have had to fight for every penny of assistance from the government”.

He has written to David Cameron and claims he has been ignored, and has also made a plea to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

“Six weeks ago, Mr Clegg promised Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker that he would look into the issue. I followed this up by asking him to act.

He, too, has not replied. The coalition government is letting down Calderdale and letting down the homes and businesses who were affected by our devastating flooding in 2012”.

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