Gas-blast support plea was ignored

THE Government failed to give Oldham Council financial support after the Shaw gas explosion — despite having a scheme that helps with the costs of disaster relief.

Council leader Jim McMahon revealed he made a plea for financial support to Prime Minister David Cameron after he heard an “undertaking” at Prime Minister’s Question Time his Government would support those affected.

The Government reimburses authorities for 85 per cent of eligible costs above a threshold of 0.2 per cent of their annual revenue budget. Oldham’s request was technically below the assistance threshold

Councillor McMahon said after the blast insurers found many homes were uninsured or underinsured.

The cost of scaffolding and boarding would normally be deducted from the insured value of the home: Councillor McMahon said it would be an act of cruelty to plunge householders further into debt.

He added: “When the explosion took place in Shaw we had an understanding from David Cameron at Prime Minster’s Question Time that if the people of Shaw needed support then the Government would be there behind them or words to that effect.

“I wrote to David Cameron about his offer and got a letter back from Eric Pickles’ department... and no such luck.”

The council leader was speaking in relation to proposed reserves for the forthcoming budget.

£1,675,000 has been set aside for 2013/14 for Emergency Planning — which covers disaster cleanup, winter weather and flooding.