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Twelve months after storm Desmond – the first of a series of devastating winter storms to batter Britain – the European Commission is still assessing the UK’s bid for aid. It was submitted to the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) on September 22 to help pay for repairs after damage to homes and businesses. The European Commission was expected to make a decision within six weeks.

GETTY The European Commission is still assessing the UK’s bid for aid following storm Desmond

Now some politicians are asking whether the delay is “punishment for Brexit”. Last week Italy became the latest country to receive a payout from the fund, set up in 2002 to provide financial assistance to member states when large scale natural disasters occur. On Wednesday, the European Commission announced a first aid disbursement worth 30 million euros to help Italy’s rebuilding programme following August’s deadly earthquake.

GETTY Italy became the latest country to receive a payout after August’s deadly earthquake

What countries are in the EU? Wed, September 14, 2016 In the wake of Brexit, we look at the 28 member states that are in the European Union. Play slideshow Getty 1 of 29 Countries that are in the European Union

The Commission received the Italian application on November 16 – almost two months after the UK submitted its application.

It makes you wonder if it could be punishment for Brexit Ukip leader Paul Nuttall

Portugal, too, had promptly received funds following a request for assistance on September 21 after the forest fires of August. Last night Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said: “It’s odd that other countries that applied after or at the same time as the UK have received funds.

GETTY Portugal promptly received funds following a request for assistance after the forest fires in August

“It makes it seem as if Britain has been pushed to the back of the queue by the EC and it makes you wonder if it could be punishment for Brexit.” Lisa Smith, 49, whose house and business were flooded in Kendal, Cumbria, last year said she was still waiting to return to her Victorian terraced home. The mother-of-two said: “There’s growing frustration that it is taking so long, everybody is worried about what will happen this winter. “As for European funding, if there has been a delay in the Government applying and then the EU not paying out then that’s really frustrating.”

GETTY Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said the decision 'could be punishment for Brexit'