New research from the Local Government Association (LGA) says £250 million in damage was caused to key infrastructure like roads, bridges, public rights of way, and drainage systems by this winter’s flooding - and the final bill could be significantly higher.

A snapshot analysis by the Association, which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, estimates local authorities have so far been landed with the huge bill after the devastation wreaked by storms Desmond and Eva.

The LGA is warning that the final bill to councils could be much higher as local authorities are still assessing the full cost.

Worst hit have been Cumbria, which sustained about £175 million in damage, Calderdale with £33 million, Northumberland with £24 million and Lancashire £5 million.

Government funding has been important in enabling local authorities and their communities to recover from the winter’s flooding havoc. However, the LGA warns councils will need more financial help from the Government as the full cost of the damage emerges.

The Association is also calling for new flood defence funding to be devolved by government to local areas, with councils working with communities and businesses to ensure money is directed towards projects that best reflect local needs.

Cllr Peter Box, Chair of the LGA’s Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board, said:

“The devastation wreaked by this winter’s flooding has landed councils with a bill of nearly £250 million - just for damage to key infrastructure like roads and bridges. Councils are still literally counting the cost and the final bill is likely to be much higher. Government has gone a long way to helping hard-hit communities get back on their feet. But it is clear more financial support will be needed for councils.

“Other measures from government could also make a massive difference in helping councils. These include allowing them to keep landfill tax and devolving new flood defence funding to local areas."

“Councils continue to give their all for flood-hit areas. Even now, council staff are still preparing for the possibility of further severe storms to ensure the safety of residents, homes and businesses, shore up flood defences, and protect road networks and power supplies as much as possi

In Cumbria, the costs of the floods to date is put at £175 million total for damage to council owned infrastructure and assets. This includes survey work, bridges, landslips, carriageway damage and building of a temporary road on the A591. Over 50 per cent of the cost relates to damaged or destroyed bridges and damage to the carriageway.