Our campaign was quick to catch the eye of staff in John Prescott's office today.

They saw our open letter on the thisisyork and immediately asked to put their side.

Press officers then released a statement saying that the Government understood concerns about the pressures that dealing with recent flooding was placing on other services.

"The Government grant is distributed to local authorities through Standard Spending Assessments or SSAs," a spokesman said.

"The SSA for flood and coastal defence continues to increase above the rate of inflation.

"The Government has also provided an extra £51 million for flood defence, announced by Deputy Prime Minister on November 4, primarily to accelerate new flood defence schemes. This is new money which will be delivered through Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) grants. The annual programme on flood and coastal defence has substantially increased and from all sources will be over £400 million.

"As a result of the floods, the Deputy Prime Minister has also announced changes to the scheme of emergency financial assistance for local authorities known as the Bellwin scheme. These include increasing Government support above the threshold from 85 per cent to 100 per cent, and a commitment to settle valid claims within 15 working days once a valid grant claim form has been received.

"MAFF is reviewing flood and coastal defence funding arrangements with a report expected by September 2001. The Government is also undertaking a review of how local government is financed."

Updated: 13:54 Friday, January 12, 2001