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Sajid Javid confirms government emergency assistance scheme activated to support immediate response operation following incident at Grenfell Towers.

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 Towers 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.