YEP Says: Leeds is in need of assistance '“ not point-scoring

Many people were forced out of their homes and firms forced to shut up shop.

We demanded at the time that the Government should act – and act quickly – to help those affected.

It is expected that emergency funding will be unveiled by the Government in the budget to help the communities most troubled by the disaster.

A ‘critical flood’ fund for defence projects following the Boxing Day storms is an expected win for the region as Chancellor George Osborne unveils his economic plan tomorrow for the next financial year.

The Government has already committed to £3m funding a feasibility study on expanding flood defences along the River Aire in Leeds, as well as £40m fix flood defences in Yorkshire and £280m over the next six years.

This, at least, is a start, but it is by no means the end of the story.

There is concern that local authorities – already feeling the pinch – will be asked to contribute to some schemes to enable them to get off the ground.

This is no time for political negotiation or point-scoring. What people and businesses want and need is help. Now.