Six councils affected by flooding in several parts of the country in January are being given the chance to claim cash from Communities and Local Government.

Local Government Minister John Healey told the House of Commons that the local authorities will get back 85% of the eligible costs they incurred. The exact amount of funding will depend on a final assessment of the councils' claims under the Bellwin Scheme.

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The local authorities that have qualified are: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council; Newark and Sherwood District Council; North Lincolnshire Council; Oxford City Council; Vale of White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council.

Mr Healey said: "Just half a year on from last summer's floods, some areas were struck again by heavy rainfall. They were quick to anticipate and to respond to the situation - with sandbagging and water pumping, minimising the potential damage. This money will help reimburse these costs and will mean the local authorities are better placed to get on with the job of leading the community and providing quality local services."

(CD/JM)