Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has revisited areas of Somerset hit by severe flooding in early 2014 and late 2013. The government increased the amount of grand money available for recovery work to coincide the Defra chief's visit.

From the end of the month (28^th April), farmers affected by flooding in Somerset will now be allowed to apply for grants of up to £35,000 to cover the cost of restoring flooded land, a large increase from the £5,000 grants initially made available by Defra. The government made £10 million available for flood-hit farmers in the immediate aftermath of flooding.

Farmers who have already applied for a grant of up to £5,000 have been invited to reapply for a 'phase two' grant, and could receive a collective total of £35,000.

Paterson's first visit to Somerset in January raised hackles, as, though some parts of the Levels had been underwater since before Christmas 2013, the environment secretary refused to engage with locals or members of the local press who came to meet him.  

On Tuesday, Mr Paterson also said more money would be available for general recovery work, and that measures to benefit the Levels would be rushed through in time to provide protection next winter.

The Environment Secretary was speaking from Muchelney, a village which was cut-off by flood waters at the height of last winter's extreme deluges.

NFU president Meurig Raymond welcomed the government's funding boost. On Tuesday afternoon he said, "This funding is essential to help cover the costs of restoring damaged land following the unprecedented storms this winter.

"We recognise that farmers have faced difficulties in applying for funding under phase 1 of the scheme due to the need for three quotes and a letter from their insurer as well as having to wait for confirmation from Defra before starting any work. The NFU looks forward to seeing the full details of phase 2… and hope[s] that moving to standard costs will address these difficulties and ensure the process is quicker and easier for farmers."

**Update 16/04/2014. 09.45. NFU comment added.**