Councillors from across Yorkshire are being warned that they must dig deep in their pockets next year to fund vital flood defences.
The Environment Agency says a "substantial" increase in the local authority levy is needed for new and improved defences, and also for improvements to flood warning systems.
The warning has been given to the Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee, which last month would only agree to a 10 per cent increase in this year's levy, despite EA requests for a 37 per cent rise.
"The committee's approval of the ten-year programme is extremely important," said regional flood defence manager Ken Barton.
"It will support the provision of an improved flood defence service for the people of Yorkshire and, as a result, the funding needed to provide that service."
The committee meets in Leeds this Thursday, when a report on the condition of existing defences will also be presented.
Updated: 08:48 Tuesday, April 03, 2001
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