Councils are placing themselves at the centre of the Pakistan flood appeal as the country unites to support the stricken victims. Town halls across England are donating to the cause, opening their doors to make it easier for people to give money and helping organise fundraising events.

Pakistani authorities report as many as 20 million people have been affected by the floods and tens of thousands of villages remain under water. The UN says six million people desperately need emergency aid amid growing health concerns for those surviving without proper shelter, food or clean drinking water.

Richard Kemp, Vice Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:

“Many council officers and councillors work closely with Pakistani communities in this country and are witnessing firsthand the emotional turmoil this disaster is having on them. We want to make it as easy as possible for individuals and communities to do all they can to help.

Kemp commented, “These devastating floods are the worst in Pakistan’s history and we all need to pull together to support the victims. Once again, the British public are proving themselves to be some of the most generous in the world as they rally round for the cause. It’s only right councils place themselves at the heart of this sterling fundraising effort."

Leeds City Council has donated £10,000 to start an eight-week appeal to support the flood victims. It is helping orgainse fundraising events, placing collection tins and buckets at various locations and taking donations at the Civic Hall.

Sheffield Council is supporting an appeal coalition comprising itself and Islamic groups and charities.

Crawley Borough Council is opening its town hall for money raised through community fundraising to be donated. It has set up a link on its website where people can advertise events and donate money. The council's communications team has also been helping to publicise the fundraising efforts of a local football club whose appeal has now netted more than £4,000.

Gloucester City Council is supporting the city’s Muslim community’s fundraising efforts and has given permission for city centre street collections.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is using its network of 12 local centres and its main civic centre buildings to support the appeal by taking donations.

Redbridge Council leader Keith Prince is currently spearheading a group which is organising a local fundraising event for the cause.

Money being donated at council offices will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee, an umbrella organisation for 13 UK based aid agencies.

Source: LGA Media Relations Tel: 0207 664 3333