Lib Dem leader Tim Farron challenges George Osborne over funding of flood repairs

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has challenged the government's handling of the recent floods in a letter to the chancellor, George Osborne, on Tuesday (29 December).

Farron is MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale in the south of Cumbria, a region that has been badly affected by recent flooding.

In his letter, Farron called on the chancellor to match flood appeal funds in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester to those in Cumbria.

"The government's approach to flood defences is short-sighted. In 2012, I said more funding was needed to deal with the torrential rain and 'freak' weather that was becoming more prevalent. In the years since I have repeated that call and do so again today," wrote Farron.

The Lib Dem leader went on to say that the initial £50m fund will only cover 10% of the damage caused by Storm Desmond and further funding to repair infrastructure was necessary. He also asked for a date to be announced when the public will hear about the review of flood defence projects.

"We need to urgently review every shelved flood defence scheme. The prime minister pulling on his wellies, wading through some water for a photo op and doing a couple of interviews does not make people believe he is doing enough. He needs to show he cares about the north by following up his words with deeds."

Farron was caught up in the floods himself early in December when his car started filling with water on a country road in Cumbria.

Storm Frank, hitting the west of the UK Tuesday evening (29 December) and continuing into Wednesday, is set to bring heavy rainfall once again in flood-affected areas.